Shippers keep cargo moving

SHIPPING   CARGO   JAPAN

Japan – Despite the natural disasters that have plagued Japan in the past few weeks, shipping companies continue to keep cargo moving in and out of the country’s ports by using their spare capacities to manage displaced cargo.

As much as 7% of 19 million units handled at Japanese ports have been shut off following the twin disasters this month. However, experts believe the earthquakes or tsunami are unlikely to have a serious impact on the overall container market in Japan.

Reuters reported that Western trade is driven by consumer goods and manufactured items like car parts, while eastbound container trade involves paper and plastics exports from Europe, as well as electrical component items from other parts of Asia.

Operators like Wilh. Wilhelmsen and DHL have not experienced any delays. Chris Bresnahan, head of EVP, network operations for DHL Express Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa said there is a shortage of gas, but there are sufficient supplies to keep operating.

Meanwhile, the 13 ports that have been severely damaged by the earthquake are currently undergoing reconstruction. Government officials reported some operations were due to resume shortly.

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