The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland—the fifth busiest container port on the US East Coast—will cause significant disruptions for US importers and exporters. Due to the hazardous and unstable conditions of the bridge the number of casualties remains indeterminate. However, more important than the obvious business disruptions are the lives affected by this unforeseen tragedy. JAS’s thoughts are with the people, families, and companies impacted as rescue teams work to secure the hazardous and unstable conditions of the bridge.
According to the Maryland Port Administration, “vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice.” As such, multiple merchant vessels, bulk carriers, and a vehicle carrier are now stuck in limbo within the Port of Baltimore. Cargo already gated into Baltimore terminals must be shifted to alternative ports, where possible, or await the uncertain reopening of the Port.
The next vessels currently scheduled to call the port are for Thursday, March 28th. This information should be seen as dynamic, with high possibilities to change. Shippers with cargo tied to these vessels will need to make alternate arrangements for cargo handling and discharge. Operational restrictions by carriers may impact cargo owners request for diversion and / or termination. Carriers may equally choose offloads at ‘next port of call’ which may be instituted based on terms and conditions in the governing bill of lading.
Due to the indefinite closure of the Baltimore port, a shift to Norfolk, Philadelphia, and / or New York/New Jersey might be an option. The sudden shift of cargo to neighboring ports, primarily Norfolk and New York/New Jersey, will likely lead to increased volume handling in these ports. While there will be bottleneck effects and delays in cargo processing, historical volume data suggests that Norfolk and New York/New Jersey have sufficient capacity to handle the spill-over from Baltimore.
JAS Teams are available to drive collaboration, swift adaptation, and transparent communication among all stakeholders impacted to minimize disruptions and ensure the smooth flow of goods. Stay tuned for further updates and guidance as the situation develops. For any more detailed and / or shipment specific information, or alternative solutions, please contact your local JAS office.
JAS Middle East recently broke ground on an innovative 'Build to Suit' Logistics Hub in Dubai South.
This state-of-the-art facility will boast a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and environmental consciousness, aligning with JAS’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Spanning a land plot of 212,160 square feet and a built-up area of 127,300 square feet, the ESG-compliant hub will be designed to tailor to specific logistic needs and prioritize eco-friendly practices.
In addition to its functional aspects, the property will incorporate other sustainability measures such as the installation of solar panels on its roof—allowing JAS Middle East to achieve ESG credentials. These panels will not only offset monthly utility costs but will help JAS Middle East increase its independence from the national grid (DEWA).
The office space within the hub, spanning 13,347 square feet over two floors, will offer modern amenities such as meeting rooms, open-plan working areas, and recreational spaces, ensuring a conducive environment for employees and clients.
“This project represents a significant milestone for JAS Middle East and its esteemed customers,” says Erwin Wittemaier, Area VP for the Middle East, “This strategic investment underscores our commitment to our customers and the UAE market. We look forward to deploying new technology to provide best-in-class logistics solutions.”
With the exciting groundbreaking of the Dubai Logistics Hub, JAS Middle East not only strengthens its position in the logistics sector but also sets a standard for sustainable infrastructure development in the region.
JAS Worldwide is excited to welcome Christian Heinze as Global Head of the Technology Vertical, effective April 2, 2024. With this strategic addition to the leadership team, JAS reaffirms its push to expand its presence and expertise in the Technology and Semiconductor sector.
Christian brings over two decades of success serving in senior operational and commercial roles within the global logistics industry. His deep knowledge of the semiconductor and solar industries has shaped critical supply chain transformations for clients across all modes of global transportation.
Throughout his career, Christian has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative commercial strategies that have contributed to significant business growth and fostered customer collaboration. His innate understanding of the industry landscape and proven track record of driving operational excellence make him a valuable asset to JAS’s growing technology vertical.
"Christian’s wealth of experience and passion for innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional services to our Technology clients. His leadership will play a crucial role in expanding our service portfolio and solidifying JAS's position as a key player in the dynamic and fast-evolving semiconductor industry," Manuele Mazzacurati, EVP, Sales & Marketing, JAS Worldwide, expresses with enthusiasm.
Christian Heinze's appointment comes at a key time as JAS continues its focus on operational excellence, offering innovative solutions, and adopting a sustainable approach to drive growth and create value for its customers globally.
Dear Valued Customer,
Due to the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, we are raising awareness that our services and contracts are affected by this situation.
Therefore, in conjunction with similar actions taken by ocean carriers, Blue World Line hereby provides this notice, in accordance with the clauses 11 and 12 of its bill of lading, of the necessary re-routing of some vessels currently sailing to and from the Port of Baltimore.
Cargo currently at the terminals in Baltimore will remain at the port until further notice and imports originally set to call the port of Baltimore have been rerouted to other US East Coast ports.
JAS Worldwide, as agent for Blue World Line, is taking all necessary steps to preserve its transportation services for our customers and to mitigate the impact of this situation on your shipments.
Lastly, this disruption will continue to impact our services along the east coast of the United States and drive booking and routing changes on both imports and exports calling the port of Baltimore. We will continue our best efforts to keep you updated on the status of your shipments and any developments as they happen.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this difficult situation, and we will keep you updated on any additional developments. Please check back often at www.jas.com for the latest news.
For any questions and concerns, please contact your local JAS office.
Our Sites use cookies for analytics purposes. For more information about the cookies we use on our Sites or how you can disable them, please see our Cookie Policy.
.png)