Ashdod Port is initiating an operation to encourage the bringing of dedicated ships for the evacuation of empty containers and will also allocate operational areas for the benefit of the issue
Posted on: 28.2.21 13:25
Since the outbreak of the corona, seaports around the world have experienced a complex problem of supply chain disruption, following which a large number of empty containers have accumulated in the West, in the face of a significant shortage of containers in the East.
Due to large imports of raw materials and an increase in online orders from the East, the demand in Israel for full containers has increased. The abnormal increase meant that the rate of arrival of full containers did not correspond to the capacity of the ports and did not allow the removal of empty containers at the same rate as the import of full containers. The problem caused a sharp rise in sea freight prices, with the cost of containers soaring up to 10 times their pre-corona price. It should be noted that at the same time, shipping companies do not reduce orders.
Ashdod port. Photo: Tal Shabtai
The Port of Ashdod, together with the Manufacturers’ Association and the Chambers of Commerce, has stepped up to solve the challenge, by encouraging shipping companies to bring dedicated ships to evacuate the empty containers. In addition, the port is making room in operational areas in storage areas in favor of increasing the storage areas for empty containers.
Ashdod Port CEO Shiko Janna said that “as a result of vigilant demand for full containers, and out of listening to our customers, the Port of Ashdod is launching an operation to dispense thousands of empty containers. The port invests many resources for the benefit of the issue out of a desire to continue to provide the best service to the port’s customers. “
Ashdod Port CEO, Shiko Janna. Photo: Meir Azoulay
The increased imports in the country compared to the number of operating ports, led to an unusual imbalance of the number of allocations to each window of time in unloading containers, and in the winter season the problem is even exacerbated by weather conditions and the priority given to unloading full containers.
“We hope that the extensive operation we have initiated will help resolve the issue of empty containers, while working to maximize the number of staff working,” added Jeanne. “We believe the problem will be resolved in the coming quarters, heralding more favorable weather conditions.” The latter have a number of historical activity records and we expect this to be the case in 2021. The Ashdod Port Company will continue to provide and improve the service to its loyal customers. “
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The Manufacturers Association stated that: “We thank the Port of Ashdod for providing a quick and efficient response that will help get raw materials to local production. The port has proven in this operation, and throughout the corona year that it is attentive to customer needs and operationally flexible. “For them, Israeli industry, especially in this difficult time, will continue to operate, produce and grow.”