Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced that it may need to adjust the original transportation plan for reefer shipments to Xingang (Tianjin) and Shanghai due to a serious shortage of available reefer plugs.
This shortage is a result of the slow inbound container pick-up activity caused by the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus and the extension of the Lunar New Year holidays. In such cases, this may result in the discharge of reefer containers at an alternative port without prior notice, explains ONE.
At the same time, ONE has decided to apply a congestion surcharge (CGD) of US$1,000 per container to cover additional costs. This measure is effective immediately for all reefer cargo arriving into Shanghai and Xingang from 15 February 2020 onwards, and for regulated trades the effective date will be 14 March 2020 until further notice.
The company says that where operationally viable, and in an effort to minimise loss and inconvenience, it shall endeavor to arrange onward transportation from the alternative discharge port to the originally intended destination subject to reefer plug availability.
ONE encourages customers to consider a change of destination to other alternative ports, especially for time-sensitive cargoes such as fresh, chilled commodities.
