Americas
updated as of July 20, 2023
On the ocean
In addition, given port congestion and labor constraints at some of our ports in North America, please consider delivering your cargo following cut off guidelines (taking into account washing and fumigation timelines). As a result, we kindly ask you to consider delivery of your cargo as close as possible to receiving cut off (vessel ETA). This will allow us to better utilize space at our ports and terminals as well as allow for more efficient vessel loading and unloading operations. Early delivery of cargo is causing high inventory levels and it is impacting our efficiency and flexibility to operate our vessels.
In ports and terminals
Port operations are working very hard to ensure safe and efficient service in our ports. High occupancy levels at some of our key ports, as well as very low pick-up rates, are some of the main challenges. We are continuing to work with partners to mitigate further delays and ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.
Altamira: We can regularly berth and operate at ATP when slots are assigned. We have also reached an agreement with IPM to berth as soon as vessels arrive.
Angamos: Vessels waiting times remain 5-7 days due to an increase number of breakbulk and dry bulk vessels.
Baltimore: Dundalk Marine Terminal remains overcapacity, though space is being well-managed at Fairfield and Masonville.
Galveston: Port is nearing max capacity to increased cargo dwell times and increase in vessel calls.
Halifax: Terminal is currently managing situation of increased volumes diverted from Newark. Pier 9C can handle additional auto volumes, though Auto port may face some congestion due to customs delays.
Newark: Berths 16, 18-20 remain closed due to a fire on a third-party vessel, causing cargo to be rerouted to alternative ports.
Lazaro Cardenas: A lack of adequate truck and rail capacity is creating increased dwell times and reduced delivery rates.
Port Hueneme: Increased congestion due to rise in vehicle imports from Asia.
Savannah and Brunswick: Terminal and berth congestion may periodically occur due to ongoing construction at both ports.
South America West Coast: port operations are mostly unaffected, except in Callao where local regulations affect berthing. Though we are calling Pisco as an alternative.
Tacoma: Parts of the port remain congested.
Vancouver: There is significant congestion at Annacis and Richmond terminals which is leading to vessel delays.
Veracruz: Terminal remains very full with limited space for vehicles.
At our processing centers
Vehicle processing:
Operations: Our port processing centers are open and operational. As production continues to be disrupted, we continue to be flexible in the services we offer, how we organize our sites, as well as seeking additional storage options where necessary.
Mexico: All facilities remain open and fully operational, having adapted to a 'new normal' p. Special safety measures, including the use of face masks, are no longer required, having been phased out following our successful navigation of the public health challenge. We continue to work closely with plant production and vehicle distribution areas across every facility nationwide to ensure resources are effectively adjusted. Thanks to a drastic reduction in plant shutdowns in 2023, and through efficient management, we currently face a volume production outlook that even surpasses pre-pandemic times.
Canada: We're experiencing record-breaking spring volumes at our Richmond and Annacis ports, exceeding 2023 forecasts. Infrastructure improvements are underway, and while this temporarily reduces capacity, we're managing increased volumes through added staff and partnerships with shipping agents and railroads. There may be constraints on vessel discharges due to this surge.
Equipment processing:
Operations: Our equipment processing centers in the U.S. and Panama are open and operational, though with reduced staff in some locations to reflect demand.
Capacity: We continue to see strong volumes at both our on-port and off-port EPC sites and encourage our customers to both look at their upcoming forecasts and any planned changes to assist planning for our operations teams.
Inland distribution
Keen Transport’s trucks are operational and deliver units to and from ports, plants and dealerships. The regional maintenance facilities are open to keep the fleet on the road, as well as our permitting team to secure necessary approvals.