Los Angeles: The disarray across US West Coast ports has seen Korea’s Hanjin Shipping announce plans to cancel calls at the Port of Portland, a hammer blow to the port’s terminal operator, International Container Terminal Services, Inc from the Philippines.
The last Hanjin vessel to call at the port is expected on March 9. Hanjin’s departure is thought to be a reaction to the months long labour disputes that have hit ports up and down the US West Coast.
Hanjin accounted for around 80% of box throughput at the port’s Terminal 6, with some 1,600 Hanjin boxes shifting through the terminal every week.
ICTSI said it is now looking for replacements to Hanjin.
“We know that there is substantial market demand in this region for exporting and importing goods to and from Asia through the Port of Portland. As a result, we will be taking calculated steps, in conjunction with the Port of Portland, toward seeking new carriers that can capitalize on the opportunities to serve this market created by Hanjin’s departure,” ICTSI Oregon said in a statement.
