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Navigating Port Congestion After the Suez Canal

Navigating the Impact of Port Congestion following the Suez Canal Blockage

By
Jesper Jepsen
April 5, 2021

Even before the Suez Canal blockage the shipping industry was facing extreme congestion levels in many ports across the globe, including those in the USA, Canada, South Korea, China, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. With demand remaining high, port congestion challenges will continue for months to come with increased volumes, restrictions due to COVID-19 requirements, and missed berthing windows.

Even if the Suez Canal is now open, the operational impact of a week blockage will have a ripple effect lasting for weeks:

  • A further deterioration of schedule reliability and additional equipment unbalance is to be anticipated even on Trade-Lanes not directly related to the Suez Canal.
  • Some steamship lines have stopped accepting new bookings from Europe to USA until end of April.

Marine terminals at the U.S. ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are experiencing some of the worst congestion, with anchorage times often exceeding a week. In March, the United States passed another stimulus bill, while at the same time, COVID-19 infection rates are decreasing, multiple states are relaxing COVID-19 restrictions, and the number of people vaccinated continues to grow. Consumer spending and retail imports are predicted to remain high, and even increase, throughout the spring and summer months, providing the ports with no relief when it comes to congestion.

While it can be challenging to avoid port congestion, there are some ways to minimize the impact of port congestion and plan for success.

  1. Explore alternative gateway ports that face less congestion. With the congestion on the U.S West Coast, many are exploring other port options such as the Port of Seattle. Alternatively, some are choosing to bypass the U.S. West Coast altogether in favor of going through the Panama Canal and up the East Coast.
  2. Plan ahead. At this time, planning ahead is key and booking shipments as soon as possible can help keep your supply chain moving. With the current equipment shortages and severe congestion at ports, some levels of delays are almost unavoidable. Therefore, it is important to build extra time into your schedule to account for the current conditions.
  3. Consider utilizing other shipping methods. As in non-pandemic times, ocean freight affords the opportunity for cost reductions when compared to airfreight. However, the lead time is much longer than airfreight. When facing time constraints, air freight may be a more viable option. Another option to consider is LCL Ocean freight, smaller but more frequent shipments can keep your supply chain moving. While LCL also faces congestion issues it is much easier to be flexible and by splitting product on more vessels, better chance that cargo gets moved using multiple vessel/ports to get product through. Talk to your JAS representative for options on alternative shipping methods that fits your needs.
  4. Stay in contact with your JAS representative. With the increased port congestion, it is more important than ever to stay in contact with your local representative so that you are aware of arrival times, equipment availability, and market conditions.

For more information on how to navigate the current port congestion, contact a JAS representative.

For more information about current ocean market conditions, read our most recent ocean market update: https://www.jas.com/market.

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JAS team members around the world celebrated Earth Month.

JAS team members worldwide celebrated Earth Month through various activities aimed at promoting sustainability and conservation. From beach cleanups to tree planting, each activity reflected JAS's dedication to making a positive difference in local communities and beyond. 

In Germany, China, and Panama, JAS team members joined forces to plant over 1,300 trees. In Germany's Lower Saxony, to promote ecological resilience, employees chose a diverse range of tree species that they knew would thrive in the local climate and soil conditions. Similarly, in Xiamen, China, the JAS branch organized a poignant tree planting event aimed at enriching urban greenery and enhancing the cityscape, reflecting the team's commitment to sustainable development. Meanwhile, in Panama, JAS Panama collaborated with local organizations to plant native trees within the Camino de Cruces National Park, a vital initiative aimed at restoring habitats and preserving the region's rich biodiversity. 

Simultaneously, in Taiwan, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Sweden, JAS team members united their efforts as they cleaned up costal shorelines and forests, embodying their shared commitment to environmental preservation. With gloves on and bags in hand, they combed the beaches, collecting everything from plastic bottles to cigarette butts, restoring the natural beauty of the their local communities. 

In Brazil, JAS team members partnered with the NGO Iracambi, and headed into the Atlantic rainforest to engage in various volunteer activities aimed at preserving this vital ecosystem. Through hands-on experiences like tree planting for reforestation and participating in educational workshops on sustainable practices, the Brazil team demonstrated their commitment to protecting biodiversity and promoting environmental awareness. 

Andrea Goeman, Senior Vice President of QHSE & Sustainability, commented, "From tree planting to coastal cleanups, our collective actions reflect our dedication to making a real and tangible difference in the communities we serve. Through collaboration and shared responsibility, our teams contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come." 

As Earth Month ends, JAS Worldwide stands proud of the collective efforts made by our global team to champion environmental stewardship. From tree planting endeavors in Germany, China, and Panama to coastal cleanups in Taiwan, Netherlands, and Sweden, and conservation efforts in Brazil's Atlantic rainforest, each initiative underscores our commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations. These efforts exemplify the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility that defines JAS, inspiring us to continue our journey towards a more sustainable world. Together, we are paving the way for a greener, cleaner tomorrow. 

By combining efficiency with eco-friendly practices, JAS ECONTAINER not only reduces environmental impact but also offers cost savings and operational efficiencies, driving meaningful change in the industry and paving the way for a greener future, one shipment at a time.

At JAS, sustainability is a journey we're deeply committed to, and Earth Month serves as an ideal moment to shine a spotlight on initiatives that embody this commitment. One initiative that continues to drive positive change is JAS ECONTAINER, our innovative ocean freight solution designed to enhance operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact. 

Redefining Ocean Freight with JAS ECONTAINER 

JAS ECONTAINER combines the efficiency of headload shipments with eco-friendly practices. This approach has been at the forefront of our efforts for some time now, as highlighted by Vice President, Global Head of LCL, Peter Sinka. 

"In our ongoing journey towards sustainability, JAS ECONTAINER stands as a testament to our commitment to environmental responsibility," says Sinka. "By encouraging frequent replenishment and eliminating the pressure to fill containers to capacity, JAS ECONTAINER helps shippers reduce inventory costs, optimize warehouse space, and mitigate supply chain disruptions." 

The Environmental Imperative 

JAS ECONTAINER isn't just about operational efficiency—it's about driving meaningful change in the industry. Sinka emphasizes the product's positive environmental impact, citing its adoption of Marine Biofuel programs through insetting to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint. 

"Our goal was to create a product that not only meets modern supply chain challenges but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability," Sinka explains. "By choosing JAS ECONTAINER, shippers not only benefit from cost savings and operational efficiencies but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future." 

A Competitive Edge 

Beyond its environmental benefits, JAS ECONTAINER offers a competitive edge in the market. Sinka notes that the product bridges the gap between traditional LCL and FCL offerings, providing cost-effective solutions for shipments ranging from 20 to 50 CBM. 

"Traditionally, LCL shipments face competitiveness challenges beyond a certain volume threshold," Sinka observes. "JAS ECONTAINER's pricing methodology ensures cost-effectiveness even for larger shipments, making it a preferred choice for shippers seeking optimal value and sustainability." 

Embracing a Greener Future 

As businesses worldwide prioritize sustainability and operational efficiency, JAS ECONTAINER emerges as a catalyst for positive change. Its flat-rate pricing model, strategic consolidation strategies, and eco-friendly initiatives not only drive cost savings but also empower shippers to make environmentally conscious choices. 

"In a world where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand, JAS ECONTAINER offers a compelling solution," Sinka concludes. "We invite businesses to join us in embracing a greener future—one shipment at a time." 

Breaking ground for a sustainable future: JAS Middle East embarks on a new journey with the groundbreaking ceremony for their state-of-the-art 'Build to Suit' Logistics Hub in Dubai South

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. 

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