MAERSK SEALAND RESUMES WEST COAST BOOKINGS

MAERSK SEALAND RESUMES WEST COAST BOOKINGS    Maersk Sealand has resumed bookings for cargoes with U.S. West Coast destinations and origins, but said that congestion and delays continue.
   The Danish mega-carrier has resumed booking acceptance for West Coast-bound cargoes from Europe and Asia, and for cargo loading at West Coast terminals. Bookings are subject to revised vessel schedules and availability of space and equipment.
   In a notice to shippers, Maersk Sealand warned that there may be delays to delivery and receipt of cargo. “Maersk Sealand continues to experience congestion and decreased productivity levels at its West Coast ports in Los Angeles, Oakland and Tacoma”, the carrier said.
   Most container carriers had suspended bookings to the U.S. West Coast as the recent 12-day-long labor dispute created a large backlog of some 200 vessels waiting to be handled by Pacific ports.