News Content

Tianjin container terminals up and running, but customs clearance dead slow

ERMAN forwarding giant DB Schenker reports all of Tianjin's six container terminals are now 100 per cent operational.

Even the EuroAsia Terminal closest to the explosion that killed more than 100 people last week, has come back into service within the past 24 hours, reports Lloyd's List.

The terminal serves three carriers on five service loops: CMA-CIMEX1 service (to Middle East), CMA -BMX service (to Hong Kong and Manila), Hanjin-KPI service (to South East Asia/Australia/Red Sea area), Hanjin-TEF service (to the Mediterranean) and CSCL-AMA service (to the Mediterranean).

The DB Schenker update noted that since the blast, five sailings have omitted Tianjin port from their schedules. The Hapag-Lloyd vessel, 2,800-TEU Irene Reliance V-328E' - scheduled ETD August 30 - will omit Tianjin too.

"There was a severe impact on a couple of big empty container depots with most of the equipment having been destroyed. However, the situation has returned to normal and there are no reported equipment shortages," said Schenker.

"Many trucks and chassis used for local container drayage were destroyed and there is still a slight chance of a temporary shortage of truck capacity. But this is not widespread and it is limited to individual trucking companies."

The update added that container freight station (CFS) services remain largely suspended in the Tianjin port area, which still affects all LCL cargo. "Three CFS stations have resumed work today - Zhengua, Daya and Huahan," it added.

Schenker also noted that customs services have resumed "but at a low productivity", as officers are spending most of their time on cancelling entries and re-declaring cargo which could not be loaded last week. The customs house itself was destroyed in the blast.

"The handling of dangerous goods cargo, both import and export, remains completely suspended. Any shipment on the water (with Tianjin as its destination) will most likely be diverted to be discharged and stored at major transshipment ports (Singapore, Busan etc) pending final decision by shippers/consignees on which port in China to move the containers. According to many carriers, additional charges for this might be claimed from customers."

As part of contingency plans, DB Schenker in Tianjin has already "diverted dozens of containers" to the Port of Qingdao this week, 500 nautical miles away.

The company said it was only aware so far of four LCL shipments that were considered as missing, presumed destroyed, "as the entire CFS warehouse burnt down completely".

There was no information about any laden containers handled by DB Schenker that might have been impacted by the blast.

Meanwhile, Swiss forwarder Panalpina said that all of its ocean export and import operations via Xingang/Tianjin had been suspended.

"This may last for at least a week or longer," it said. "Cargo damage and delays are anticipated. We are in close contact with all business partners to inform them about the status of shipments as quickly as possible."

Paul Tsui, managing director of Janel Group and the immediate past chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding & Logistics and the Federation of Asia Pacific Aircargo Associations, said:

"There is also only one road open to and from container terminals, according to our contacts at the port as well as co-loaders. This is limiting terminal operations due to a lack of boxes. Lines are trying to bring in empties from other ports."

Maersk Line said in a customer advisory that further vessel delays were still expected and the line's China operations unit was now offering alternative services to and from Dalian and Qingdao.

The two Chinese ports plus Busan in Korea would be used to handle dangerous goods shipments.

DHL said there were still ships stuck at anchor. "As you can imagine, there is delay to ocean freight shipments," said a spokesman. "For now, subsequent shipments will be rerouted, mostly to Beijing.

"DHL Global Forwarding is suggesting to customers to ship their cargo via DHL Rail for EU destinations."

Dr Tsui said there could also be some migration of cargo to air freight. "I think it will take a week for companies to figure out their plans, but for heavy equipment, cars and dangerous goods unsuitable for shipment by air, they will have to find other port arrangements."