Coronavirus leads to delays in shipping

A word from Janine Hammond: Director

The Coronavirus, belonging to the SARS family, is spreading quickly in China. The Chinese Government is currently applying active measures by means of suspension of schools; work in all cities, as well as cutting transport in and out of Wuhan, the epicenter for the epidemic. The objective is to minimise human contact in hope to contain further outbreak.

As a result, most origin ports have been shut down, for now, until the 10th of February 2020, with further suspension likely to occur.

With blank sailings scheduled because of Chinese New Year Holidays, the enforced closure of these terminals would undoubtedly add more disruptions to the normal ocean freight services.
It is expected that we will experience more rolling of vessels which could result in potential delays in deliveries to our customers.

We would like to request that your planners/buyers/shipping departments be made aware of the potential impact as a matter of priority, to enable them to factor in additional lead-time during this period, in anticipation of these likely delays. Drawing from the SARS experience, this period of
emergency may last for some months.

In this very challenging time; our thoughts are with everyone in China. We kindly request your patience and close communication during this time, to aid our pursuit of providing the best services possible under these dire circumstances.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide written information on the matter as we receive the same.

Sincerely,