SUPPLY chain operator GEODIS has chartered tonnage to alleviate the container capacity shortage on the Asia-Europe trade.
The first 1000 TEU capacity vessel, operated exclusively by GEODIS, is scheduled to arrive in Hamburg on 28 February. This ship is carrying a total of 435 forty-foot containers for customers who have found it increasingly difficult to secure space with regular carriers at a viable rate.
The next vessel sailing was scheduled to leave Shanghai around 10 February. Depending on demand, GEODIS will plan additional sailings over the coming weeks.
Matthias Hansen, senior vice president global ocean freight for GEODIS, said, “We understand the current market challenges resulting from unprecedented customer demand and the limitations of ocean carrier capacity and sailings from China and other parts of Asia.
“We are working hard to find solutions for our customers. Hence, this exclusive vessel charter to supplement fixed long-term agreements we have with core carriers.”
Onno Boots, GEODIS’ regional president and CEO for Asia Pacific, said, “These market forces have created variable and unforeseen spikes in demand for Asian goods.
“Our primary aim is to offer multi-modal solutions to our existing customers to enable them to ship on time and in a reasonably economic manner.
“GEODIS is permanently looking for alternatives including rail, ocean and air products that fulfil this aim for shippers on the increasingly volatile far east west bound trade lane.”
