THE suspension of Pearl River Delta's barge and feeder services have left carriers struggling to meet demand from south China's ports, reports IHS Media.
EU and US shippers are already swamping the carriers, but the suspension addition linking the hubs of Hong Kong and Shenzhen to China's inland manufacturing centres is hurting the regional supply chain even more.
The services were suspended earlier this month allow staff time to quarantine before travelling home for the Chinese New Year.
As a result, many groups are asking the government to consider revising the Covid crisis restrictions for crew similar to airlines doing crew rotations.
'We alerted them that, in the absence of these feeder services, it would be difficult for all lines to meet current demands for import and export from both Hong Kong and/or Shenzhen, and this is what has now happened,' said Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association chairman Roberto Giannetta.
'A number of lines have already suspended acceptance of cargo bookings in this period. This means that either the shipping lines are rejecting such cargo requests, or alternate arrangements incurring additional costs are being introduced to handle the cargo demand,' said Mr Giannetta.
Ocean Network Express (ONE) became the latest carrier to suspend bookings for cargo headed to the ports in South China and Fujian until mid-February.
SeaNews Turkey
EU and US shippers are already swamping the carriers, but the suspension addition linking the hubs of Hong Kong and Shenzhen to China's inland manufacturing centres is hurting the regional supply chain even more.
The services were suspended earlier this month allow staff time to quarantine before travelling home for the Chinese New Year.
As a result, many groups are asking the government to consider revising the Covid crisis restrictions for crew similar to airlines doing crew rotations.
'We alerted them that, in the absence of these feeder services, it would be difficult for all lines to meet current demands for import and export from both Hong Kong and/or Shenzhen, and this is what has now happened,' said Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association chairman Roberto Giannetta.
'A number of lines have already suspended acceptance of cargo bookings in this period. This means that either the shipping lines are rejecting such cargo requests, or alternate arrangements incurring additional costs are being introduced to handle the cargo demand,' said Mr Giannetta.
Ocean Network Express (ONE) became the latest carrier to suspend bookings for cargo headed to the ports in South China and Fujian until mid-February.
SeaNews Turkey