CMA CGM: Fog snarls Qingdao operations

CMA CGM: Fog snarls Qingdao operations    Fog is creating operational problems at the Port of Qingdao, according to a note Wednesday from liner carrier CMA CGM.
   'The operational situation in the port of Qingdao is not improving,' the line said. 'In the last four weeks the port has been closed on average three days per week. The dense fog does not allow ship's berthing and normal terminal operations. The time lost has to be recovered through a significant increase of fuel consumption resulting from a higher speed and from call omissions, generating additional feeder expenses.'
   CMA CGM said it will begin assessing a 'Qingdao Port surcharge' on all shipments from Qingdao to northern Europe. The fee is $125 per TEU and will be assessed from July 15.
   'This surcharge will be removed once the operational situation in the Port of Qingdao has been normalized,' the line said.