The container shortage that has caused bottlenecks in exports out of Asia has eased thanks to urgent efforts by shipping lines to reposition equipment. But the situation could deteriorate later in the peak season, according to leading forwarders and shippers.

Sunny Ho, Director of the Hong Kong Shippers’ Council, said: “Two weeks ago, the supply of containers was a big problem, but the situation has improved and shippers are not encountering difficulties placing bookings with shipping companies or locating containers.”

Paul Tsui, Chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (Haffa), told IFW some specialist high-cube equipment was still in short supply, but carriers had improved availability this month.

Carriers have taken steps over the last month to improve the supply of containers. Maersk Line reactivated some laid-up tonnage to move boxes back to Asia and said it would boost production and leasing.

A spokesman for CMA CGM told IFW the carrier had ordered 57,000 containers for the peak season and had leased equipment in remote locations that was now being positioned to demand areas, particularly in Asia.

“CMA CGM has also chartered space and organised specific voyages by some of its larger vessels to repatriate equipment to Asia,” he added. “And we are trying to restrict the acceptance of some bookings to surplus areas.”

However, equipment shortages could resurface as the peak season progresses. CMA CGM told IFW equipment could remain in short supply for another 12 months, “depending on the market evolution”. Earlier leading toymaker Hasbro advised retailers to order supplies as early as possible to avoid problems with shipping equipment and capacity later in the year.

Source: International Freighting Weekly, July 2010