Maersk announces emergency measures due to Amazon River drought

The Amazon River, a lifeline for maritime operations in Manaus, is currently facing critical depth challenges that render such operations unfeasible. This has led to limited booking acceptance, forcing Maersk to implement a contingency plan for both import and export cargo to and from Manaus due to the Amazon River drought.

Contingency Plan for Import Cargo Transshipped in Brazil:

In response to the force majeure declaration by feeder provider Aliança, cargoes on board the following vessels originally bound for Manaus will be discharged in alternative ports:

• Sebastião Caboto/338N (SECAB): This vessel will be discharged in Vila do Conde on October 14th.
• Fernão de Magalhães/339N (FERMA): Discharge will take place in Pecem on October 12th.

For these above-mentioned vessels, there is currently no estimated schedule for re-shipment. We must await the resumption of service for further updates. Additionally, Log-in Polaris/100N (LIPOL) will not be berthing in Manaus, and its contingency plan will be communicated as soon as possible.

Contingency Plan for Import Cargo Transshipped in Panama or Cartagena:

• Bomar Praia/339S will not be able to berth in Manaus, with consideration given to discharging cargoes in Pecem. Confirmation is pending.
• Marfret Guyane/340S and Varamo/340S are still planned to berth in Manaus, with confirmation pending.
• Express Brazil/341S and further vessels will not be able to berth in Manaus. A contingency plan is under development, with details to be provided soon.

Relief Package:

Recognizing the potential impacts on your business, Maersk is offering the following relief package for your import and export cargo to and from Manaus:

For Export Bookings:

• For bookings with no container gated-out, booking cancellation without penalty.
• For already gated-out containers, empty container return will not be charged, and the export detention clock will be frozen for shipments with an estimated time of departure (ETD) on or after October 11th until further notice.
• For containers gated in MAO terminal, SPOT booking cancellation without penalty, empty container return, and detention will not be charged. All operational/port costs will be the shipper’s responsibility.

For Import Shipments:

For shipments with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) on or after October 11th, Maersk offers free Change of Destination (COD), subject to restowing, shifting cost, and freight difference. COD is subject to operational feasibility at the time of request.

Alternative Solution:

In an effort to address the situation, Maersk offered a limited alternative transportation option utilizing a combination of truck-barge transport between Vila do Conde and Manaus, excluding hazardous and refrigerated cargoes. This involves loading goods onto vessels bound for Vila do Conde, where the cargo will be transferred to a barge for transportation to Manaus and subsequent delivery via trucks. Interested parties are encouraged to contact their sales representatives to negotiate new rates and operational details.

Future Projections:

Projections suggest the re-establishment of port schedules at Manaus with limited capacity, commencing from week 46. Daily monitoring of the situation is ongoing, and we are committed to providing updates as soon as river levels allow the safe resumption of operations.

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