Port Congestion Update 3/26/2021

Weekly vessels Anchored and at Terminals as of 3/26/2021

Anchored: 24 

Terminal: 28

This week, both the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach reduced the wait time for vessels in anchorage as terminals are working to include the staffing of the second shift, which was recently negotiated.  Both ILWU and dock labor are in COVID 19 recovery as vaccinations continue for the workforce which permitted the return of the second shift.  While this is excellent news, fear of the Suez Canal disruption due to blocked canal has led to diversion of vessels. It is anticipated vessels may arrive to the West Coast that were not on the shipping schedule and may add to the volume of Los Alamitos Bay.

The Evergreen operated Ever Given, one of the world’s largest box vessels, created the blockage and 367 ships are waiting to traverse through the canal.  Other vessels diverted to sail around the African Cape, which will add 12 days to their voyage to reach their destination.

As of March 29, 2021, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has stated in part: “the ship blocking the canal for nearly a week, has been partially refloated”. Salvage teams intensified excavation and dredging on Sunday and it was hoped high tide would help dislodge the vessel.