In the aftermath of the Baltimore Bridge collision, supply chain professionals are anticipating price hikes, as indicated by a significant rise in sentiment for container price increases.
A rebound of freight volumes into the US this year, coupled with the bridge incident and the ongoing challenges in the Red Sea as well as the Panama Canal is expected to strain key US ports in the short term. This is expected to lead to increased congestion, additional logistical and operational complexities, and short to midterm price increases.
The Container xChange's Container Price Sentiment Index (xCPSI) unexpectedly surged from 26 to 61 points between 18 March 2024, and 29 March 2024. This marked increase suggests that the industry is anticipating container prices to increase in the coming weeks—while the suddenness of the index’s move highlights rising uncertainty in the market.
“The sharp rise in sentiment could be linked to ongoing market volatility, the
perceived emergency on the US East Coast due to the Baltimore collision, and the
resulting sustained pressure on the market,” commented Christian Roeloffs, cofounder and CEO of Container xChange.
We have received feedback from industry sources indicating an anticipated increase
in container prices in the upcoming days/weeks, with projections ranging from 50-
US$100 per TEU. This information suggests that customers looking to order new
build units may encounter higher unit prices compared to previous weeks. One
manufacturer, whom we used as a source in previous reports, anonymously shared
this insight.
Additionally, another customer from Europe, who prefers to remain anonymous, is
stocking up on various types of units in anticipation of future price hikes. Based on these insights, it appears that the market is poised for price increases in the coming weeks.
Update on the Baltimore Incident
As of 29 March 2024, the Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command reported
that 56 total containers loaded on the vessel contained hazardous materials, with 14
impacted. These 14 containers were assessed by an industrial hygienist for potential
hazards. The Unified Command and Joint Information Center were established in
Baltimore on 26 March 2024 to coordinate the response and disseminate information regarding the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
In the meantime, the Captain of the Port (COTP) Baltimore has established a
temporary alternate channel on the northeast side of the main channel in the vicinity
of the Francis Scott Key Bridge for commercially essential vessels, according to the
official statement by Mayor Brandon M. Scott, on Sunday, 31 March 2024.
The temporary channel will be marked with government-lighted aids to navigation
and will have a controlling depth of 11 feet, a 264-foot horizontal clearance, and
a vertical clearance of 96 feet. The Unified Command is working to establish a second,
temporary alternate channel on the southwest side of the main channel. This second
channel will allow for deeper draft vessels with an anticipated draft restriction of 15 to
16 feet.
Container vessels will need to adjust their routes to utilize this temporary channel,
which has specific dimensions and markings to ensure safe passage. This temporary
solution will enable commercially essential vessels, including container ships, to
continue their operations with minimal disruption despite the bridge collapse.
Shippers to brace for cost escalations and mounting responsibilities.
Furthermore, shippers whose routes include Baltimore are expected to face
significant challenges in the coming days. One major issue is the increased shipping
costs and associated expenses due to rerouting, which are expected to rise.
Additionally, the responsibility for picking up cargo at diverted ports has been shifted
to the shippers, as MSC and several other ocean carriers have informed their clients.
This shift requires shippers to coordinate closely with freight forwarders, trucking
companies, and other logistics providers to ensure safe and efficient transportation
of the cargo to its final destination.
"In the short term, the bridge collapse will lead to localized disruptions in container
availability and transportation. The incident has also led to increased delivery times
and fuel costs which could indirectly impact container prices and leasing rates in the
coming times,” added Roeloffs.
US ports under pressure?
Container xChange's analysis of loaded imports at the top 10 ports in the US reveals
a significant increase in container throughput compared to the previous year. This
indicates improved port utilization and suggests a strong start to the year in terms of
freight demand and activity.
Ports such as the Port of Long Beach, LA, and the Port of Vancouver have shown
significant increases in loaded inbound TEUs, indicating strong growth in maritime
freight traffic.
Now with these diversions, it remains to be seen how well the ports will handle the
rise in traffic. As more cargo gets diverted to these ports, we will see an increased
throughput pressure on these ports. This could lead to higher congestion and longer
wait times for vessels, trucks, and trains at the port.
Given this situation, we would expect container prices at these ports to rise in
the month of April and beyond, depending on the intensity of the diversions and its
aftermath.
The aftermaths of the Baltimore collision are being felt nationwide. The New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy directed their ports Thursday,
28th March 2024, to accept additional cargo to alleviate supply chain pressures from
the shutdown in Baltimore. Being the only water route into and out of the port, the
shipping channel will be closed for weeks, at a minimum, and possibly for months.
"By February 2024, most US ports experienced a resurgence in loaded cargo
imports compared to the same period last year (Jan-Feb volumes in 2023). While
volumes have rebounded and port operations have improved, concerns linger due to
the ongoing Red Sea crisis and the recent Baltimore bridge collision, which is
expected to cause months-long disruptions. This is likely to increase pressure on
nearby ports with similar capabilities and may lead shippers and carriers to consider
diverting entirely to the West Coast, potentially resulting in additional challenges or
even closures for carriers," commented Christian Roeloffs, co-founder, and CEO
of Container xChange, an online global container logistics platform.
"As we move forward, we anticipate increased wait times and processing fees at
the ports where traffic is diverted in the US. The most striking impact, nonetheless, is
on the regional supply chain in Baltimore, where the effects on life, the economy,
and businesses are severe," emphasised Roeloffs.
The article was written by Container xChange, a global online platform for container trading and leasing, connecting container users with owners.
