Labour and economic challenges arising from the COVID pandemic are causing unprecedented shipping delays throughout the world.
Midfield’s Daniel Byrne said schedule disruptions and port congestion at terminals and depots throughout the world started due to labour shortages from COVID lockdowns.
“It’s been reported over recent months that more than 300 ships have been idling at sea, unable to access their relevant port, at any one time,” Daniel said.
“More than 100 ports throughout the world are reporting congestion and other challenges, leading to a decline of up to 10 per cent of the world’s shipping capacity.”
Daniel said the initial labour shortages had now led to yard congestion and vessel bunching, with terminals in Australia also caught up in the issue.
“We are seeing disruption at terminals in Australia now as well, which we
expect to continue for some time. “In addition to COVID delays, the industry still faces the usual challenges such as weather events like the typhoon that resulted in Shanghai being closed.”
The shipping crisis is causing issues for Midfield. “Accessing containers is difficult – it’s a logistical nightmare really – but we are doing all in our power to keep product moving and processing stock.
“We certainly don’t want this to affect our loyal customers and suppliers. “We are liaising with our shipping companies on a daily basis and will continue working with them to keep Midfield pro
duct moving throughout the
world.”
