Demand for Maersk’s shipping services within the Asia to Oceania trade lanes have been impacted by the Shanghai, Singapore lockdown.

The lockdown which resulted in movement restrictions in and out of Shanghai Port have also resulted in changes within shipping trade lanes.

Head of Asia Pacific Ocean Customer Logistics, Anne-Sophie Zerlang Karlsen, said as Shanghai’s restrictions enter into the sixth week, Maersk continues to see the Shanghai ports remaining operational.

“The situation continues to be fluid, and the largest pain for our customers are working out how to run close-cycle operations as well as trucking capacity.”

“We are doing everything we can to support where we can, and have a key focus on creating alternative inland options through rail and barges as well as developing relief options with more flexibility on demurrage and detention, free amendments and cancellations as well as offering products to speed up or slow down cargo in transit to fit our customers’ needs in this difficult time.’’

In its Asia Pacific Market update, Maersk reported that capacity is tight within the Asia to Oceania trade lanes.

“Customers are encouraged to re-route cargo via connections in China.”

Maersk also reported that its schedule reliability continues to improve at around 49.4% on the Oceania-Asia trade compared with the market average of 21.4%.

In Australia, Maersk expects ahigh demand for ocean transport as cotton and seed season begins with large volumes for U.S export.

“New Zealand: reefers are in high demand due to peak season exports.”

“Exports to Americas remain strong with reefers also in high demand.”

“Space continues to be avail from the East Coast of Australia to New Zealand for dry and reefer cargo.”

In its April Asia Pacific Market update, Maersk reported that the Port situation in Brisbane has started to alleviate and cargo backlogs are being dealt with following major weather events and sustained flooding.

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