MSC has announced extensive cancellations in its routes from Asia to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the United States, and Canada. The cancellations are attributed to the Chinese New Year, disrupting operations for the world's leading shipping company. The cancellations are expected to extend through February.
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This adds another setback to the challenges faced by the industry, leading to significant delays and substantial price increases. The global shipping sector has already adjusted routes due to issues such as avoiding the Gulf of Aden and circumnavigating Africa's Cape of Good Hope, adding 7,000 to 8,000 kilometres to journeys due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
In recent months, drought conditions in the Panama Canal have further impacted major companies like Maersk, necessitating operational adjustments. Now, because of the Chinese New Year, new costly decisions in terms of time and money are required.
This traditional Chinese festival, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important celebration of the year in Chinese culture, marking the transition to the Year of the Wood Dragon in 2023. The festivities, starting on February 10, will continue for 15 days, concluding with the Lantern Festival on February 25.
MSC has informed its clients about cancellations from Asia to various destinations worldwide, beginning in the first week of February and extending until the last week of the same month. Specifically, seven services to Northern Europe, four to the eastern coast of the United States and Canada, four to the western coast of the United States, and three to the Mediterranean will be cancelled.
The shipping company plans to adjust its capacity based on the slowdown in demand on the Asia-Europe routes during the Chinese New Year period. As a result, the mentioned trips will be cancelled. However, MSC encourages clients to continue making reservations as usual, as they are preparing a contingency plan across their service network.
Source: www.economiadigital.es
