AMID the challenges arising from the collapse of the Baltimore harbour bridge, the US east coast faces potential disruptions from the east coast docker talks, reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.
The International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance are approaching the expiration of a six-year contract at the end of September, with negotiations for a new agreement yet to reach a resolution.
Experts, including Xeneta analyst Peter Sand, warn that labour strikes on the east coast could exacerbate existing shipping disruptions caused by the bridge incident.
'The clock is ticking and if no agreement is reached, then the implications will be significant and widespread disruption at US east coast ports,' said Mr Sand.
'This would almost certainly see rates increase for ocean freight container services and could see some shippers choosing to head back to the US west coast or Mexico for imports.'
The collapse of the bridge has already led to logistical complications and rerouting of cargo flows through alternative ports such as Norfolk and New York/New Jersey.
Despite these challenges, recent data indicates only marginal declines in average spot rates from the Far East into north east coast ports since the bridge collapsed.
Rates have dipped slightly, reflecting ongoing supply chain disruptions but not yet showing significant impacts on shipping costs.
The Port of Baltimore, which has been actively working to restore full operational capacity, anticipates reopening key channels by the end of April and May, gradually restoring normal shipping operations to the region.
SeaNews Turkey
The International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance are approaching the expiration of a six-year contract at the end of September, with negotiations for a new agreement yet to reach a resolution.
Experts, including Xeneta analyst Peter Sand, warn that labour strikes on the east coast could exacerbate existing shipping disruptions caused by the bridge incident.
'The clock is ticking and if no agreement is reached, then the implications will be significant and widespread disruption at US east coast ports,' said Mr Sand.
'This would almost certainly see rates increase for ocean freight container services and could see some shippers choosing to head back to the US west coast or Mexico for imports.'
The collapse of the bridge has already led to logistical complications and rerouting of cargo flows through alternative ports such as Norfolk and New York/New Jersey.
Despite these challenges, recent data indicates only marginal declines in average spot rates from the Far East into north east coast ports since the bridge collapsed.
Rates have dipped slightly, reflecting ongoing supply chain disruptions but not yet showing significant impacts on shipping costs.
The Port of Baltimore, which has been actively working to restore full operational capacity, anticipates reopening key channels by the end of April and May, gradually restoring normal shipping operations to the region.
SeaNews Turkey