VENEZUELAN STRIKES TRIGGER SHIPPING DISRUPTIONS
Several container shipping lines have warned of disruptions in their services to and from Venezuela, as the country’s national strike, port closures and political tensions continue.
All the main ports of Venezuela are closed, according to industry sources.
Maersk Sealand has stopped booking U.S., Canadian, Mexican, Caribbean and South American cargoes to and from Venezuela.
Witass, a conference of Europe/Venezuela/Caribbean shipping lines, warned shippers that cargo bookings from Europe to Venezuela may not be delivered if it is “impossible, impractical or inefficient” to discharge goods there. The conference carriers may then discharge cargoes at a port other than the intended port, or store them at the place or receipt, at the shipper’s expense, until they can be delivered to Venezuela.
“A national strike in Venezuela is affecting port operations and the ability of ocean carriers to deliver cargo to ports in Venezuela,” the Witass conference said in a notice to shippers.