Americas

Global and regional efforts are helping reduce vessel waiting times, with alternative discharge measures showing positive results. Initiatives include utilizing additional terminal space, redirecting vessels to less congested ports, and managing temporary berthing solutions. While temporary capacity constraints remain, overall yard capacity is manageable.

In Latin America, port congestion continues in several countries, prompting operational adjustments such as use of alternative terminals and improvements to cargo flow processes. Developments at the Panama Canal are being monitored for future impact. Meanwhile, tariff-related discussions may influence trade and service adjustments in the coming months. Ongoing planning includes evaluating alternative discharge ports, improving inland transport options, and maintaining flexibility in cargo movements to respond to dynamic conditions.

Our port teams continue working diligently to ensure safe and efficient operations. Below is a brief summary of service status at key ports.

Galveston: Pier 32 remains our primary berth with priority access, subject to the existing 70 MT max roll trailer weight restriction. Vessels meeting this limit can berth and operate without issue. Pier 34 is available as a temporary alternative, allowing for cargo up to 100 MT on roll trailers, restoring our total weight capacity equivalent to Pier 39. However, this berth does not offer priority, and delays may occur if heavy cargo is involved. Heavier cargo (e.g., Sampsons, MPBs) remains on hold until the new road from the berth to our terminal is completed - currently expected by end- April.

Brazil - Rio de Janeiro: Effective immediately, Rio de Janeiro will no longer be included as a standard part of our service offering. Our service to/from North America and South America will focus on the following ports: Rio Grande, Paranagua, Santos, Cartagena, Manzanillo, Manta, Pisco, Galveston, Altamira, and Veracruz.

Chile: We regret to inform you that it has become necessary to discontinue our service to Chile from both Europe and Americas. We will continue to service Manta in Ecuador and Pisco in Peru. Service from Asia to Chile is not impacted via our Eukor product.

Pto Quetzal: Guatemala: Port congestion at Puerto Quetzal is causing delays of 3–5 days due to limited crane availability, with only one mobile harbor crane currently operational. Expansion plans, including Berths #5 and #6, are expected to proceed in Q1 2025. Updates will follow as the situation evolves.

Panama Canal: The Panama Canal has resumed normal operations. However, only vessels with reservations are currently permitted to transit. Our voyage operators are working closely with Panama Canal authorities, leveraging the booking system and maintaining close communication with our vessel captains to ensure timely passage and avoid any delays.

Pto Caldera, Costa Rica: Average wait time of 21 days.

Acajutla, El Salvador: Presently delay for berthing in Acajutla is approx. 30 days. RORO vessels will now be calling Puerto La Union.

Corinto, Nicaragua: Corinto is currently experiencing heavy congestion, with an average vessel wait time of approximately 10 days. To help mitigate delays, operations are now permitted at the newly built Pier 1.

Buenaventura: This situation is expected to persist throughout the year, with port authorities exploring solutions

Santos Port: Santos Port has been experiencing congestion since April 24th, causing delays. This situation is driven by a higher-than-normal concentration of vessel arrivals within a short period. This is a temporary situation. Our operations team is coordinating closely with port authorities to manage the impact. We appreciate your understanding.

Vehicle processing:
Operations: Our port processing centers are open and operational. As production continues to be disrupted, we continue to be flexible in the services we offer, and how we organize our sites, as well as seeking additional storage options where necessary.

Mexico: All facilities remain open and fully operational. We continue to work closely with plant production and vehicle distribution areas across every facility nationwide to ensure resources are effectively adjusted.

Canada: We're experiencing record-breaking volumes at our Richmond and Annacis ports, exceeding forecasts. Infrastructure improvements are underway, and while this temporarily reduces capacity, we're managing increased volumes through added staff and partnerships with shipping agents and railroads. There may be constraints on vessel discharges due to this surge.

Equipment processing:
Operations: Our equipment processing centers in the U.S. and Panama are open and operational, though with reduced staff in some locations to reflect demand.

Capacity: We continue to see strong volumes at both our on-port and off-port EPC sites and encourage our customers to both look at their upcoming forecasts and any planned changes to assist planning for our operations teams.

Keen Transport’s trucks are operational and deliver units to and from ports, plants and dealerships. The regional maintenance facilities are open to keep the fleet on the road, as well as our permitting team to secure necessary approvals.