shippingposition
  • Home
  • News
  • Editorial
    • Vox Pop
  • Maritime safety
  • Oil and Gas
  • Personality
  • Health
No Result
View All Result
shippingposition

Home » Congestion Is Not Just For Christmas

Congestion Is Not Just For Christmas

by Joshua
December 6, 2021
in Maritime Education

Shippers across the globe might have to battle the effects of supply chain congestion and record high ocean freight rates for some time to come. The question remains – when will they get relief?

CHRISTMAS

The wave of congestion that is sweeping through global supply chains delaying deliveries of seasonal goods and essential commodities, stranding many shippers between meeting impossible delivery deadlines while paying record shipping rates is not set to subside anytime soon

“This is proving to be the ‘Peak Season like no other’, just as we predicted” says the Global Shippers Forum, the voice of cargo owners in international trade.

Speaking at a High-Level Maritime Dialogue, hosted by FIATA last week, James Hookham, GSF’s Director, highlighted the challenges that importers and exporters face in getting their goods on shelves and in warehouses for the winter holiday season. They are struggling with historically poor levels of service from shipping lines, ports and terminals, and inland logistics providers, yet paying the highest shipping rates and surcharges seen for decades.

James Hookham said: “Global shippers are riding a tidal wave of congestion this Peak Season that started in exporting countries and is now arriving on the shores of importers and sweeping inland. First, we had lockdowns in Chinese ports, then an inexplicable shortage of empty containers, then the ships suddenly all maxed out and slots were like gold dust (and costing as much). Now our goods are queuing to get into ports, waiting for a crane to unload the box and then for a driver to move it inland to where we need it. It’s been a tough ride and it’s not yet over, but most of us are still standing, although, sadly, there will be ‘wipe-outs’”.

The most vulnerable businesses are the importers and distributors fighting to meet delivery deadlines, set by their retailer customers. They simply cannot predict when the goods they have paid so much to have transported actually will be available. Not only have they blown their logistics budgets this year, but they are facing stiff penalty charges for late delivery, and possible loss of future contracts. These are the businesses that are the victims of the maritime industry’s collective struggle to manage the ‘Great Shipping Crisis of 2021’.

But with most deliveries expected to land in the next few weeks, and Thanksgiving and Christmas probably safe for this year, big questions remain — Will this congestion continue well into next year. Will tight market conditions persist through 2022?

Or will consumer demand slacken and will capacity and resilience improve service levels prices become more predictable?”

“To continue the surfing analogy, was 2021 a freak wave or a permanent rise in sea level?”

“Just about every shipping line is predicting the latter,” continued James Hookham. “And why wouldn’t they when they are collectively expecting to turn profits exceeding $150 billion this year? But there is good reason to query the hype of continued congestion.”

Read Also:  GLOBAL WEEKLY MARINE INCIDENTS

“The expectations for consumer inflation levels in most developed countries are hardening and most central banks are expected to increase interest rates next year. That won’t affect retail prices immediately, but it could trigger a rapid change in consumer sentiment that means the ‘click-fest’ of on-line shopping that has reportedly fuelled the surge in shipping demand for the past 18 months could be extinguished as quickly as it ignited”.

“Sure, maritime congestion will take some time to unwind, but if the ‘Great Shipping Crisis of 2021’ proves to be just that, then the speed at which shipping rates shadow the drop in demand will be a critical indicator of the responsiveness and competitiveness of this market”.

James Hookham concluded by reflecting on the fact that amongst its global membership, GSF now includes operators of container ships!

“There is, of course, that small heroic band of shippers out there who made the trip to the Dark Side during 2021 and hired their own vessels to move their own goods, because shipping line predictability had got so bad, and rates so out of kilter with actual operating costs. I don’t know what their charter terms are, or what their experiences have been, but I expect they will soon be needing to decide whether to ‘give up the hobby’ or make it a part of their routine operations. These endeavours have been dismissed as an aberration by most shipping industry observers, but it tells you something when a few guys in the audience think they can whistle a better tune than the full orchestra!

Source: Global Shippers Forum

shippingposition

Kindly like us on Facebook


Tags: Congestion Is Not Just For Christmas

Related Posts

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who is the Ship Master?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who is the Ship Master?

June 30, 2025
Merchant Navy Labels Inability to Issue Class 1 & 2 Certificates as ‘National Harassment’

Day Of Seafarer: Indigenous Shipowners Bullying, Harassing Nigerian Seafarers — NMNOWTSSA

June 30, 2025
SHIPTALK: The Speed of a Ship at Sea

SHIPTALK: The Speed of a Ship at Sea

June 16, 2025
QUESTION OF THE WEEK : What Are The Shipping Terms Every International Shipper Should Know

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: DID YOU KNOW?

June 16, 2025

Discussion about this post

Latest News

BREAKING: Oyetola Inaugurates NIMASA Governing Board, Charges Members on Strategic Oversight

BREAKING: Oyetola Inaugurates NIMASA Governing Board, Charges Members on Strategic Oversight

July 2, 2025

Apapa Customs Boss Breaks Bottlenecks: ANLCA Chairman Hails Reduction of Checkpoints, Demands More Reforms

Succession Planning: Shippers’ Council Launches Training Programme for Mid-Level Officers

SEREC Outlines Key Benefits, Strategic Advice for CGC Adeniyi on His Appointment as WCO Council Chair

MWUN, Melsmore Marine Meet To Resolve Workers’ Welfare Issues

WCO: Nimrod Expresses Confidence In Adeniyi`S  Ability

Vessels Expected At Lagos Ports As At 2nd July, 2025

BREAKING: Apapa Customs Rakes in N1.3 Trillion Revenue in First Half of 2025

Oyetola Inaugurates NPA Governing Board, Calls for Reform-Driven Leadership

Industry Conflict Resolution: Nigeria Saved N6bn In 2024 – NSC 

Merchant Navy Felicitates Maritime Workers Union On Successful Branch Elections

CRFFN Rallies Freight Forwarders for Digital Transformation, Targets AfCFTA Market Opportunities

kindly like our Facebook page

Health

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert
Health

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert

June 30, 2025

Mrs Roseline Akinlabi, Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health Desk Officer, Osun Primary Healthcare Board, says contraceptive pills cannot cause...

ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

KNOW YOUR BODY PARTS: The Liver The liver is a vital organ located in the right upper abdomen, playing a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. It’s the largest solid organ in the body and is responsible for filtering blood, maintaining blood sugar levels, regulating clotting, and synthesizing essential proteins. The liver also stores energy, removes toxins, and produces bile, which aids in digestion Liver functions: · Metabolism and Detoxification: The liver processes nutrients from the blood, breaks down and balances them, and creates essential substances for the body. It detoxifies harmful substances like drugs and alcohol, converting them into less toxic forms for excretion. The liver plays a role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It stores glycogen (a form of glucose) and vitamins, releasing them when the body needs them. · Digestion: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to help digest fats. Bile also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. · Blood Regulation: The liver regulates blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose. It synthesizes clotting factors, which are essential for blood clotting. It removes old red blood cells and processes bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. · Other Functions: The liver plays a role in immunity, helping to fight off infections. It produces proteins that are involved in the immune response. The liver also stores iron and other essential minerals. Frequently Asked Questions About The Liver · What are the first signs of a bad liver? The initial signs of liver problems can be vague and subtle, often including fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. As the liver’s condition worsens, more specific symptoms may emerge, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, dark urine, and light-colored stools. Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant, can also indicate liver issues. · Where do you feel liver pain? Liver pain is typically felt in the upper right abdomen, just beneath the rib cage. It can manifest as a dull, throbbing pain, a stabbing sensation, or a general feeling of discomfort in that area. In some cases, liver pain might be felt as an ache in the right shoulder or back. · What does liver pain feel like? How liver pain feels can vary from person to person, depending on the cause. However, most people often develop one or more of the following symptoms: Dull, persistent aches in the upper abdomen A feeling of fullness or bloating Sharp, stabbing pains that come and go Tenderness when the upper abdomen is touched · What is the best way to cleanse your liver? If you haven’t been working out, start indulging in a regular exercise regime to allow the toxins to come out of your body. Yoga, going running, hitting the gym, or a simple sauna session can also prove effective. If you want a natural liver cleanse, sweating is the way to go. · How to know if the liver is swollen? What are the symptoms of an enlarged liver? You likely won’t notice an enlarged liver on your own. In some severe cases, you might notice a feeling of bloating or fullness in your belly or an ache in your upper right abdomen. · What is the best drink to flush your liver? Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. Lemons are high in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants

June 16, 2025
ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

June 16, 2025
Why Prostate Disorder Cases Are Increasing Among Nigerian Men – Experts

Why Prostate Disorder Cases Are Increasing Among Nigerian Men – Experts

June 1, 2025
20m Nigerians Live With Mental Health Issues, Says WHO

20m Nigerians Live With Mental Health Issues, Says WHO

June 1, 2025
Health Facts You Didn’t Know

How Your Habit Affects Fertility

May 19, 2025
Fruits For Raining Season

Fruits For Raining Season

May 19, 2025
See Mental Illness Like Other Treatable Diseases – Says Suicide Survivor

Health Facts You Didn’t Know

May 19, 2025
Alligator Pepper: Benefits, FAQ, Side Effects, & Warning

Alligator Pepper: Benefits, FAQ, Side Effects, & Warning

April 28, 2025
Water And Health: The Relationship That Helps Life

Water And Health: The Relationship That Helps Life

April 28, 2025

© 2021 Shippingposition

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Terms

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Coast To Coast
  • Oil and Gas
  • Maritime Education
  • The Terminals
  • Maritime safety

© 2021 Shippingposition