Japan's southern ports take the strain

Operations at most of Japan’s ports south of Tokyo have returned to business as usual, following the devastating 8.9-magnitude earthquake that triggered a tsunami on Friday.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Naota Kan, said that the country was facing its worst crisis since the Second World War.

The north-east coastal ports of Hachinohe, Sendai, Ishinomaki and Onahama are said to have suffered so much damage that they are not expected to return to operation for months, possibly years.

The ports of Kashima and Hitachinaka were only partially damaged and could be back on line in a few weeks.

However, Tokyo and all ports south of the capital are operating normally, but due to a backlog of vessels, delays in cargo handling are expected.

Container carrier OOCL has told customers: “Our thoughts and well wishes go out to everyone impacted by this natural disaster.”

The line said it was waiting for more information, but all bookings to Sendai had been suspended.

It added: “All Sendai imports will be discharged at Tokyo.”

Maersk Line confirmed that it has resumed operations to Japan.

A spokesman said: “There are virtually no delays at this point. APM Terminals runs the terminals in Kobe and Yokohama and they are functioning.”

He said Maersk services to the ports of Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe and Tokyo were operating as normal.

Hanjin Shipping said: “Most of our terminals in Japan, including Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka, resumed normal operations quickly after the reopening of the ports.

“However, due to the backlog of the vessels waiting for berth, some delay is expected.”

The carrier advised its customers to contact local offices for the detailed status of particular shipments.

Mitsui Osk Lines (MOL) said it was still gathering information concerning its vessels that may have been in the Tohoku area, near the epicentre of the Pacific earthquake.

The MOL-chartered CS Victory was carried toward a breakwater by the tsunami and now rests on the bottom of the shallow harbour at Ishinomaki.

“All the crew members left the vessel and none were injured. None of the cargo or fuel oil has spilled from the vessel,” said the line.

Sendai Airport which was badly damaged by the tsunami will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways has resumed flights to Narita and Haneda airports in Tokyo 




Source:   IFW