Something is shifting in the refrigerated container transport industry. In China, ports are gradually returning to work, allowing ships to load containers and reposition them where there is a demand, including from Europe.
This is confirmed by Linda Carobbi, corporate director at Fresh Fruit
and Vegetable Vertical Market of Savino Del Bene S.p.A., a global logistics and shipping company. "Thousands of containers have remained stationary in Chinese ports for several weeks - Linda Carobbi explained - as we announced a month ago (see Freshplaza of 02/25/2020) and are now being moved with the reopening of the ports. Given the time of transit of 30-40 days, they will be available in Europe around the end of April. This means we will gradually have at our disposal the containers used for export, which are sometimes in short supply at the moment."
However, despite the shortage of containers, Italian fruit and vegetable exports are still ongoing, as confirmed by Linda. For example, Italian apples are still being shipped to Egypt and the Middle East with no particular problems. The situation appears to be more complicated for Spain, which is facing a high demand for citrus fruits from China and where the shortage of empty reefers is felt more strongly.
"From our end - concluded Linda - we are constantly in contact with both our customers, on one hand, and with our suppliers (air and sea carriers) on the other. Currently, we are keeping a close eye on the situation. With all the volumes we globally handle, we are among the top customers for air and sea carriers, who have always been very cooperative with us."
Contact:
Savino Del Bene S.p.A
Via del Botteghino 24/26
50018 Scandicci (FI)
Tel.: +39 (0)55 5219616
Email: linda.carobbi@savinodelbene.com
Website: www.savinodelbene.com