A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has provided an update on its services to the Port of Baltimore, indicating that bookings for direct loading and discharge on the upcoming voyages will resume.
According to Maersk, the following bookings have opened:
AGAS service
- Import to BAL – Dubai Express 421n – ETA 1 June (departing Cartagena, CO – 19 May; departing Manzanillo, PA – 20 May)
- Export from BAL – Dubai Express 422S – ETD 1 June
AMEX service
- Import to BAL – Nele Maersk 417N –ETA 11 June (departing Cape Town, SA – 23 May)
- Export from BAL – Nele Maersk 422S – ETD 11 June
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Bookings for Transatlantic services and Baltimore exports on TP12 have not yet reopened. According to Maersk, these will reopen once more information regarding the channel conditions for vessels using these services is available.
Imports from Asia are accepted in Baltimore but are subject to space availability.
Maersk noted that AGAS and AMEX are now accepting bookings since their vessels may utilise the Fort McHenry Limited Access Channel, which is not available to vessels currently operating transpacific or transatlantic routes.
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A representative of Maersk said: “Please note the situation in the Port of Baltimore remains fluid and booking is contingent on space availability.
“Our ability to call Baltimore will ultimately rely on the refloating timeline and the Captain of the Port officially opening the port and/or the fourth alternative channel that was previously closed. Vessels may be re-directed to another USEC port if the timeline prevents us from calling Baltimore.”
Recently, Maersk opened a dedicated cross dock warehouse in Rotterdam at the Maasvlakte II terminal.