Carriers re-route to save on bunker costs
The Port of Portland, Oregon has reported increased interest from cargo carriers as shipowners commit to reducing fuel costs.
"We have marketed our proximity to Asia relative to other West Coast ports, as it yields efficiencies in time, fuel and money for carriers," a spokesperson for the port told Bunkerworld today.
"Being closer to Asia than US Pacific Southwest gateways is a selling point among others. The response has been very positive," added the spokesperson.
Earlier this year the lines in the CKYH Alliance, which includes Cosco Container Lines, K-Line, Yang Ming and Hanjin Shipping, decided to bring K-Line back to the Portland market.
Part of that decision was based on fuel efficiency, noted the spokesperson.
The shipping company pulled out of Portland at the end of the 2004, saying it added a stop in Shanghai and needed to save time by cutting a US call.
Route adjustments and port combinations have since been introduced by the CKYH alliance on four transpacific loops to streamline the service alignment, and reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
"Transpacific container trade has shifted over the last 18 months, and the CKYH Alliance of carriers has been proactive in adjusting to rising bunker fuel costs and changing global market conditions," the port spokesperson concluded.