MAERSK LINE SUSPENDS CARGO BOOKINGS FROM NORTHERN EUROPE TO ASIA

[Alan Green]

A somewhat alarming Maersk press release appears here:

Temporary cease of booking - North Europe to Asia (Eastbound)*
Dear customer,
As a result of a large number of consecutive vessel cancellations following Chinese New Year, a
significant cargo backlog has been created in North Europe.
This has reached an unprecedented level unfortunately necessitating a complete booking stop,
effective immediately, in order to prevent further escalation of the backlog.
The booking stop is temporary and we are working to clear it as soon as possible so that we can
resume booking acceptance as usual. Based on the current situation, an early estimate is for the
backlog to be cleared by early May.
We are implementing this complete booking stop to ensure we prioritise and deliver on the
bookings we have already accepted. By implementing this booking stop, we take action to resolve
the situation at the soonest possible, and also hope this will allow you to make alternative
arrangements for your cargo flows to minimise impact to your supply chain.
For further questions, please contact your local Maersk Line representative.

[spotti]

Alarming: maybe, .. or maybe it could look like
Maersk Line is playing games with its customers !

[Fred Vloo]

April one?

[itsfoto]

No hoax, it seems, the bottleneck being the capacity of the ports on the European side.
cheers
Uwe

[alanp]

It is not a hoax, i work for a freight forwarder in the UK and confirm that i can not book any shipment eastbound with Maersk.

Other lines are accepting booking but we now have an equipment shortages on those lines ?

[Fred Vloo]

I've read the article now. Looks like a trick by Maersk to increase rates.
It is not the capacity of the ports, but taking out ships capacity, what Maersk did last year.
The European Shippers' Council was not amused and will keep a close eye to this matter.

Cheers
Fred

[Ronald George Halliday]

Is this getting ready for Triple E class next year?

[Alan Green]

From the undermentioned press release, it would appear that Maersk are trying to redeem the situation, albeit with the trade off of Super Slow Steaming:

Quote:

North Europe to Asia