G6 Switches to Seattle amid Congestion Woes

G6 Lines has decided to temporarily shift its Pacific Atlantic 1 service from Tacoma to Seattle amid the ongoing congestion across the US West Coast.

The move is aimed at avoiding further delays in congested ports, as informed in a customer advisory.

The first vessel calling Seattle instead of Tacoma was MV “Augusta Kontor” 002E eta on December 14, 2015.

Based on the announcement, the shifting is agreed for five consecutive weeks, ending with MV “NYK Nebula” 040E.

A review of the congestion situation will be done in due time, the liner said.

Just two weeks ago, G6 Lines decided to suspend the eastbound Los Angeles call on its Pacific Atlantic 1 service due to the same reason.

Terminal congestion has been a mounting issue at Southern California port terminals due to a variety of factors, including talks between ILWU and PMA on a new contract, a surge in cargo volume, shortage of chassis and rail cars, along with insufficient numbers of truck drivers.

Terminal operators at Seattle and Tacoma reported 40-60% productivity reductions in loading and discharge of vessels that threaten to disrupt schedules and delay receipt and delivery of cargo to a regional economy highly dependent on waterborne international trade.

 This has resulted in huge additional costs for ocean carriers that had to speed up ships on the westbound leg, charter in more tonnage and pay labour overtime and extra quay rent.

The G6 Alliance is made up NYK, Hapag-Lloyd, OOCL, APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine and Mitsui OSK Lines.

World Maritime News Staff