BCTN asks shipping lines for flexibility with container laydays

Because the lead time of a container is extended by three to five days due to the delays and the domino effect, the free detention/demurrage time is also exceeded and demurrage charges have to be paid. “Customers not only have to wait longer for their container, but they also receive another invoice because their container has stayed longer at the terminal. For customers with large volumes, this can run into thousands of euros. That causes a lot of discussions and fuss,” says David Huybrechts, terminal manager of BCTN Meerhout. “That is why we have written to the shipping companies, many of which are involved in the shareholding of the terminals, asking them to be more flexible with that time off and, if possible, extend it by five to seven days until as long as the problems are resolved.”