The recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have had a significant impact on the shipping industry, with the Port Iskenderun suffering critical damages that have disrupted supply chains.
In response to the situation, carriers have implemented commercial measures to minimise the impact on customers and keep supply chains moving as efficiently as possible.
Hapag-Lloyd has suspended the acceptance of new export bookings from Iskenderun until the terminal recovers from the damages it suffered. The existing bookings with no empty containers’ pickups will have to be cancelled as the terminal cannot be used under the current circumstances. As an option, customers can proceed with new bookings from Mersin.
The German carrier has also suspended the acceptance of new import bookings until the terminal is able to become operational again. For the existing bookings with containers already picked up or gated in at origin, the company recommends proceeding with Change of Destination (COD).
READ: Trade loss at Iskenderun port estimated at near $700 million
Danish giant Maersk’s relief packages also include a free COD service for containers on the water destined for the Port of Iskenderun or containers gated-in full at the first loading port bound for Iskenderun to any other port in Turkey. This includes re-stowage, operational and admin fees, and COD in this instance will be initiated by Maersk.
The company has also waived COD admin fees to destinations away from Turkey. Customers will, however, be liable for re-stowage and extra shifting costs, plus the ocean freight difference of the new destination.
Maersk has also waived penalty fees for shipments under Partnership Contract Product (block space, flexible), exported from Iskenderun or Mersin. Additionally, the company has imposed an interim stop of the Import Combined D&D and Export Detention and Demurrage clock for containers in Iskenderun from 6 February until 28 February where the D&D responsibility lies with Maersk.
READ: Maersk sends containers to aid Turkey earthquake victims
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has offered commercial measures for affected shipments, offering free COD service for containers on the water destined for the Port of Iskenderun Turkey, or containers gated-in full at the first loading port bound for Iskenderun.
Evergreen Line has also made some adjustments to its operations and services following the earthquake.
As per clause 21 of Evergreen Line’s Bill of Lading, in-transit cargo intended for discharge at Iskenderun will instead be off-loaded at Mersin.
Customers with cargo to Iskenderun are advised to change the discharge port to Mersin and retrieve their cargo as soon as possible. Any COD charges will be waived until port operations return to normal.
