Ocean Network Express (ONE) has halted the acceptance of bookings for reefer imports to Xiamen in China due to the congestion in the ports caused by the slowdown in the reefer container pick-up activities.
The Singaporean line has stopped accepting bookings of all reefer commodities bound for and/or transhipping via Xiamen from 9 December.
This is a result of the stricter customs inspections and disinfection requirements for reefer commodities which have been implemented in a number of Chinese ports.
ONE has previously announced the suspension of cargo acceptance in the Port of Huangpu, located in China’s southern Guangdong province as well as a number of other southern Chinese ports.
The company noted in its announcement that for containers in transit, it suggests customers consider a change of destination to other alternative ports, especially for time-sensitive cargoes such as fresh, chilled commodities.
For reefer boxes which are already in transit to Xiamen and/or being held at the transhipment port for further connection to Xiamen, ONE said that all related costs will be on consignee’s account and payable upon delivery.
“We are closely monitoring the situation,” added the shipping company.
