Ocean Network Express (ONE) the Japanese carrier alliance comprised of Yang Ming, MOL and ‘K’ Line, has unveiled a new blank sailings schedule as it responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, ONE, part of THE Alliance, said it had revised its schedule due to lower consumer demand for goods as a result of the outbreak.
The scaled back schedule will see ONE’s service across the globe affected. Several of the world’s largest ports will be bypassed, in particular in the Pacific and the US.
However, ONE insists that it remains committed to delivering reliable services to customers and provide alternative solutions to keep supply chains moving. A sentiment reiterated by THE Alliance.
The affected services are expected to resume normal operation dependent on market conditions. THE Alliance will continue to closely monitor the situation of the pandemic and respond effectively.
Blank sailings, where a carrier cancels a particular sailing, have increased rapidly in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some carriers choosing to focus on the transshipment segment of their business.