INDUSTRY experts have questioned whether the International Maritime Organization's new low sulphur rule to be introduced in January 2020 (IMO 2020) will change US ports of call
INDUSTRY experts have questioned whether the International Maritime Organization's new low sulphur rule to be introduced in January 2020 (IMO 2020) will change US ports of call. A hike in fuel prices could drive Asian containers to west coast ports, but time and risk factors must also be weighed up, reported American Shipper. The Panama Canal drastically reduces voyage time for shippers sending US liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas to Asia.
However, this vital waterway for merchant shipping is not a shortcut for Asian containers heading to the US.
Between Shanghai and Canada's port of Prince Rupert (which connects via rail to Chicago), it's 4,678 nautical miles. Between Shanghai and Los Angeles/Long Beach, it is 5,708 nautical miles. To Charleston, South Carolina, via the Panama Canal, it's 10,170 nautical miles. To New York/New Jersey, it is 10,582 nautical miles.
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