Halifax port emerges as a major winner as vessel traffic surges amid ILA strike

Posted on October 14, 2024   |  

Halifax saw a significant boost during the 3-day ILA strike on the US East and Gulf coasts, with vessel calls increasing from 14 to 25.

The 14,000 TEU ONE Swan, from THE Alliance’s Asia-US East Coast EC5 service, rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, skipping Charleston and New York.

MSC Sagitta III made an additional stop in Halifax on 2 October, while Zim Scorpio bypassed Boston to stay on schedule, with only a 7-day delay.

MSC had planned extra-loader calls for Epaminondas and MSC Antonia at Halifax due to expected cargo increases but canceled them after the strike ended.

The 6,700 TEU Epaminondas were redirected to New York, Norfolk, Boston, and Savannah, while the 7,000 TEU MSC Antonia was reassigned to the Europe-South America route with Hapag-Lloyd.

The quick resolution of the ILA strike minimized the need for vessel diversions to Mexican ports.

Savannah port faced heavy congestion, with 53% of vessels waiting to berth; by 10 October, 8 vessels were waiting outside, and 7 were docked.