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JAS Worldwide

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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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Every year, Golden Week marks one of China’s most significant national holidays. In 2025, the holiday will run from October 1–8, and during this time, most factories, government offices, and many businesses will close or operate at reduced capacity.

Every year, Golden Week marks one of China’s most significant national holidays. In 2025, the holiday will run from October 1–8, and during this time, most factories, government offices, and many businesses will close or operate at reduced capacity. While this week-long celebration is important for millions in China, it can create challenges for global supply chains if businesses don’t plan ahead. 

What Is Golden Week? 

Golden Week celebrates China’s National Day and typically involves an extended public holiday for workers across the region. For the logistics industry, it means a temporary slowdown in manufacturing and transportation as employees take time off. 

How Does Golden Week Impact Supply Chains? 

The impact of Golden Week goes beyond the week itself. Here’s what companies can expect: 

  • Production Delays: Many factories close or significantly reduce output. 
  • Carrier Capacity Shortages: Air and ocean carriers often experience a surge in demand before and after the holiday. 
  • Port Congestion: Terminals, warehouses, and trucking companies see backlogs as shipments pile up. 
  • Longer Transit Times: Increased demand and limited capacity can affect schedules globally. 

How to Prepare for Golden Week 

Proactive planning is key to minimizing disruptions. Here are three practical steps: 

  1. Book Shipments Early: Secure your transportation well in advance to avoid last-minute capacity issues. 
  2. Communicate Forecasts Clearly: Share your supply chain forecasts with logistics partners to help align resources. 
  3. Allow Extra Lead Time: Build flexibility into your timelines to accommodate potential delays. 

Don’t let Golden Week catch you off guard. Start planning today to keep your goods moving and your supply chain strong. 

JAS’s Science-Based Climate Targets Validated by the SBTi

ATLANTA, August 20, 2025 – JAS is proud to announce that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has officially validated its near-term and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. This validation confirms that JAS’s decarbonization strategy is aligned with the latest scientific guidance to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, the most ambitious pathway under the Paris Agreement.

The SBTi has classified JAS’s near-term scope 1 and 2 emissions targets as in line with a 1.5°C trajectory and confirmed that its long-term targets meet the SBTi Net-Zero Standard, which outlines science-based ways to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.

Approved Science-Based Targets

  • Near-Term Targets (by 2030):
    • Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% from a 2023 base year
    • Achieve 100% renewable electricity sourcing
    • Ensure 80% of suppliers by emissions (covering upstream transportation and distribution) have science-based targets
  • Net-Zero Targets (by 2050):
    • Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% from a 2023 base year
    • Reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from upstream transportation and distribution by 90% from a 2021 base year

Strengthening Environmental Action Across the Network

As highlighted in the 2024 Sustainability Report, the company is taking action to reduce emissions across its global network. Initiatives include more efficient routing, network optimization, increased use of renewable energy and low-emission fuels, and strong supplier engagement to decarbonize freight operations.

JAS is also an active participant in global sustainability platforms, including the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and the Smart Freight Centre (SFC), which support knowledge-sharing and collaborative action across the logistics industry.

A Call for Collaboration

JAS recognizes that no single company can tackle the climate crisis alone. Achieving global climate goals will require rapid, deep emissions cuts across all sectors. JAS encourages customers, carriers, and supply chain partners to align with climate science by setting their own 1.5°C-aligned and net-zero targets.

“We are proud to have our climate targets validated by the SBTi, and even more proud of the work already underway across our global teams,” says Andrea Goeman, Senior Vice President QHSE & Sustainability, JAS. “We work closely with our customers to consult them on sustainable logistics solutions and support them in making more climate-conscious decisions. This milestone reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability, aligned with our company’s purpose of creating opportunities to thrive together.”

To learn more about our climate strategy and progress, read the full JAS Sustainability Report 2024.

JAS is pleased to announce two key leadership appointments—Manuele Mazzacurati as Interim Chief Commercial Officer and Angus Haig as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer.

Atlanta, GA – August 1, 2025 – JAS is pleased to announce two leadership updates that reflect the company's continued focus on global growth, innovation, and delivering value to its customers.

Manuele Mazzacurati, currently serving as Executive Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing, has been appointed Interim Chief Commercial Officer following David Bang’s departure to pursue another opportunity outside the organization. With nearly 18 years at JAS, Mazzacurati brings a wealth of experience spanning operations, regional leadership, and global commercial strategy.

With a strong customer focus and a proven track record of success in diverse markets, he is well-positioned to lead the commercial organization through this transition. In this expanded role, Mazzacurati will continue to steer global sales efforts while ensuring continuity and alignment across JAS’s commercial priorities.

Angus Haig has also joined JAS as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. With more than 30 years of international legal and corporate experience, Haig brings strong expertise in global business law, compliance, and strategic counsel. He previously served as SVP & General Counsel at Cox Automotive and held senior legal roles during a 19-year tenure at The Coca-Cola Company.

Leveraging his collaborative approach and international experience, Haig will oversee legal and compliance matters across JAS’s operations, helping JAS stay aligned with its values while navigating an increasingly complex business environment.

“These appointments reflect the strength and depth of talent across our global team,” said Marco Rebuffi, President & CEO of JAS. “We thank David for his leadership in strengthening JAS's global presence and laying the foundation for sustainable growth. We are confident that Manuele and Angus will play pivotal roles in driving JAS forward as we continue to stay focused on what matters most—our customers, our people, and our shared future."

With these appointments, JAS continues to strengthen its global leadership team and remains committed to developing innovative, sustainable logistics solutions that meet today's needs while preparing for tomorrow's challenges.

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About JAS

JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, it builds innovative and sustainable solutions that focus on customer needs and a better future for all. At the heart of JAS's success is its people, who deliver customer value. As one of the largest and fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for our communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive. Together.

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