Christmas 2021 and Lunar New Year 2022

Sustained high demand for container equipment remains constant, despite a global shortage. The carriers are attempting to replenish container stock, however, back logs from origin and transshipment ports remain at critical low point across the world. Particularly impacted is Colombo.  Carriers are advising of four to five weeks delays as the back log of containers continues to deteriorate. Lunar New Year 2022 will commence on 01.02.22 and will last until 15.02.22. The official public closures are expected to last from 31.01.22 to 06.02.22. Neptune expect to see sustained high demand of bookings from now until after this holiday period from the Far East and Indian subcontinent. If there are any orders that need to connect with vessels prior to Christmas 2021 or Lunar New Year 2022 we encourage all clients to place these orders as soon as possible to enable us to try and secure bookings. With driver shortages also at a perilous all-time low we would also advise clients not too leave ordering Christmas stock too late as there could be more stringent haulage capacities around the traditional Christmas closures. If you have any questions regarding availability or shipping in general, please do not hesitate to contact your account handler directly who will happily assist. Useful Links: https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2021/07/govt-announces-new-plans-to-tackle-lorry-driver-shortage/ https://theloadstar.com/new-uk-measures-to-tackle-driver-shortage-wont-relieve-crisis-say-hauliers/ https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-package-of-measures-to-support-road-haulage-industry https://www.economist.com/britain/2021/07/17/the-shortage-of-hgv-drivers-in-britain-is-getting-worse https://qz.com/2027205/a-shipping-container-shortage-is-snarling-global-trade/ https://theloadstar.com/covid-outbreak-brings-congestion-havoc-to-south-vietnam-ports/ https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-uk-economic-rebound-slows-sharply-as-pingdemic-takes-toll-12361895