Transpacific container shipping lines in the Canada Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (CTSA) have agreed to
implement their current US$400 peak season surcharge again in 2005, effective from June 15 through November 30.
Carriers say they anticipate at least a 10-12 per cent increase in North American import cargo from
Asia in 2005 over this year, with a defined June-November peak over an already tight space situation throughout much of the year. While new vessel transpacific linehaul vessel capacity will be introduced in 2005, actual
availability of slots per sailing will likely remain tight due to growing demand combined with the sustained congestion situation.
CTSA indicated that West Coast port and inland rail congestion in Southern
California and British Columbia has reduced effective sailing capacity during the 2004 peak season by 3-6 per cent as lines have been forced to skip port calls; allocate less loading time in port per sailing; forego
ancillary intra-Asia cargo; and load fewer empty containers for repositioning on return sailings, all in order to maintain tight supply chain schedules. These and other operating constraints are amplified during the
peak season, when carriers incur higher incremental costs to accommodate time-sensitive moves on full ships.
The Canada Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (CTSA) is a voluntary discussion and research forum of
12 major container shipping lines serving the trade from Asia to ports and inland points throughout Canada.
CTSA members include:
American President Lines, Ltd.
COSCO Container Lines, Ltd.
Evergreen Marine Corp. (Taiwan), Ltd.
Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd.
Hapag-Lloyd Container Line
Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Ltd.
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K Line)
Lykes Lines
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL)
Nippon Yusen Kaisha (N.Y.K. Line)
Orient Overseas Container Line, Inc.
P&O Nedlloyd Ltd./B.V.
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