November 11, 2024 - Update 7
We are closely monitoring the ongoing port labor disruptions impacting our operations on Canada’s West Coast and at the Port of Montreal. Please note that the circumstances are fluid, and updates may occur based on changing conditions.
We acknowledge the challenges these situations bring and encourage our customers to maintain close communication with their Maersk representatives to convey their supply chain needs. This will help us review and explore all alternative options to keep your cargo flowing.
CANADA’S WEST COAST AND ILWU LOCAL 514 STRIKE:
The ILWU Local 514 began industry-wide strike activity at BCMEA terminals on Monday, November 4, followed by the BCMEA’s initiation of lock-out later that day. The strike has now entered its second week, affecting the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Fraser-Surrey, with an uncertain duration of the work stoppage.
Plans for three days of mediated talks between the BCMEA and the union were called off over the weekend after each party met separately with the Federation Mediation and Conciliated Services (FMCS) without any progress. Consequently, negotiations have reached an impasse. You can find the latest BCMEA negotiation updates here.
Today is Remembrance Day in Canada; Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Fraser-Surrey ports are closed in observance.
Ocean update:
- Vancouver TP1 service:
- Marcos V (voyage 440N/ 443S) is at anchorage, and first vessel to operate at Vancouver Centerm. The vessel will take delay and complete its North America rotation. We are coordinating with our Asia team to explore potential contingencies for covering the Headhaul position.
- San Felipe (voyage 441N / 444S) is the first vessel to operate at Prince Rupert. Pending operations at the previous port, her berth in Vancouver is to be confirmed. Similar to Marcos V 440N/ 443S, this vessel will experience delays before completing its North American rotation. The vessel is transitioning out of the TP1 service and will be succeeded by Seroja Lima (voyage 449N/ 452S), departing from Xiamen on December 2.
- The GSL Tripoli (voyage 433N/ 436S) is set to arrive on November 15 at 0100 hrs. The berthing date is to be confirmed. We are still checking the best berthing options for the vessel once the strike is over. Her future deployment is pending confirmation after its Vancouver call. We are actively assessing any cargo discharge issues due to the ongoing ILWU strike and limited terminal capacity.
- Prince Rupert TP1 service:
- San Felipe (voyage 441N / 444S) is currently anchored and will be the first vessel to operate at Prince Rupert.
- MSC Utmost VIII (voyage 442N / 445S) is in route to Canada and is projected to berth following San Felipe's departure. Expect delays as the vessel completes its North American rotation.
- Surrey Panz Service:
- Seattle Express (voyage 437N/ 443S) vessel performed port swap calling Surrey last on her North American rotation.
PORT OF MONTREAL & CUPE 375 STRIKE:
A lockout at the Port of Montreal began at 9:00 PM yesterday, November 10, following the union’s rejection of the Maritime Employers Association’s (MEA) final offer, submitted on Thursday. Consequently, all terminals are closed, and no rail, truck, or ship services are provided. You may find updates on the negotiations on the MEA’s website here.
As today is Remembrance Day in Canada, the Port of Montreal will be closed until Tuesday, November 12, at 0700 AM.
Ocean update:
- CAE service:
- CMA CGM Paranagua (voyage 443W/ 445E): The vessel is on its way to Montreal, Canada, with an ETA of 11/12. The vessel operator is evaluating a possible import discharge in Halifax subject to terminal capacity—confirmation is pending.
- Maersk Volga (voyage 445W/ 447E): The vessel is alongside in Antwerp. Montreal ETA 11/18. As a tentative plan in case Montreal is not open close to the vessel’s arrival, we are evaluating Montreal’s omission and import discharge in Halifax subject to terminal capacity.
- MCX Service:
- Mombasa Express (voyage 441W/ 445E): The vessel is at anchorage. The vessel operator intends to maintain the Montreal call. They are still evaluating alternative plans in case the terminal does not resume operations on November 11.
- Barcelona Express (voyage 442W/ 446E): The vessel will omit Montreal and proceed to St John for import discharge.
Impact on rail operations to/from Montreal:
As of Friday, November 8, CPKC Edmonton IMS and Vancouver IMS will be closed to empty returns. They will not accept pre-billed or non-billed empties to Vancouver or Montreal until further notice.
Rail operations at both Cast and Racine facilities remain suspended. This measure is required given the higher-than-usual yard utilization combined with significant operational constraints and uncertainty due to the ongoing tensions concerning the renewal of the Montreal Longshoremen collective agreement.
As a result, CN Rail suspended and removed all capacity at inland terminals for exports destined to Racine terminals. Similarly, as of November 5, CPKC Rail has restricted all exports and pre-billed empties destined for POM Racine and Cast.
INFORMATION COVERING BOTH STRIKES:
Booking Acceptance:
Maersk booking acceptance continues as normal. We recommend using your regular booking channels, including Maersk.com and Maersk Spot.
Ocean Diversions:
Maersk will waive its administrative COD fee for any customer wishing to divert originally planned cargo away from affected terminals. Requests must be operationally feasible and any additional operational or routing costs will be applicable. You can make this request to divert via your usual channel on Maersk.com.
Maersk Demurrage & Detention:
Maersk has suspended its import and export Carrier demurrage and detention clock beginning November 4th for Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Surrey, except for import detention at Vancouver and Surrey. Alternate empty return locations remain available for Vancouver and Surrey. Please locate these on Canada’s local site under the Procedures Tab.
Effective November 11, 2024, Maersk has suspended the import demurrage, export demurrage, and export detention clocks for containers moving over Montreal. The import detention clock will continue to run for empty returns as alternate return locations are available. Alternate return locations can be found at https://www.maersk.com/local-information/north-america/canada/import
Empty Equipment returns:
Please visit https://www.maersk.com/local-information/canada/import/ . Expand the Procedure section to find the table of empty return locations.
Maersk Notifications:
We encourage our customers to sign up for Transport Plan and Schedule Change notifications or check schedules on Maersk.com. As noted, the situation is constantly evolving so staying informed is crucial.
We will continue to inform you about the situation through email advisories and Maersk.com. Should you need additional information or support, please contact your local Maersk office or Maersk representative.
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