The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a huge number of blank sailings and idled containerships. With a decline in volumes form shippers and ocean carriers the Port of Virginia has therefore decided to close its Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT).
Effective of 4 May the PMT will be closed, and truck gate openings at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) and Virginia International Gateway (VIG) will be adjusted to 0700 hours, Monday – Friday.
Vessel services headed for the PMT will be moved to NIT North, NIT South and VIG.
“In light of market conditions, we find it prudent and necessary to take steps to consolidate our ocean carrier services at VIG and NIT, and adjust our gate hours,” the Port said in a statement.
Ports are globally are fighting to stay open as the COVID-19 pandemic hits container throughput throughout the industry.
No nation has been left untouched and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) saw its TEU volume drop by 21.6%.
PTI explores which ports have been most affected by coronavirus?
Meanwhile, the Port of Rotterdam saw overall throughput decrease by 9.3% and could see the container volume take a further hit as the five-week shipping delay impacts numbers down the line.
The Port of Long Beach reported a 6.4% decline of container throughput for March 2020.
Earlier in 2020 major Chinese ports reported vessel calls at Shanghai and Yangshang dropping by a total of 17% in January compared to 2019
