West coast ports squeeze through congestion gap.

(From Lloyds List)

Byline: Janet Porter

CONTAINER ports along the North American west coast have managed to get through this year's peak season without any serious delays but only just.

That is the view of the world's largest liner company as the busiest time of the year for transpacific ocean carriers draws to a close.

'The ports were at the upper limit of what they can handle,' said Maersk Line senior vice president Robert Kledal.

Although there were some strains as merchandise was shipped in from Asia in preparation for Christmas shopping, there was no repeat of the massive congestion experienced along the entire supply chain two years ago when dozens of huge containerships could be seen waiting for a berth at any one time as the terminals and inland hauliers struggled to cope.

The ports performed fairly well last year after taking on more longshoremen and being better prepared, but as volumes continued to grow there was no slack in the system.