Some delays for bulk vessels in L.A.-Long Beach, but no ship congestion

Some delays for bulk vessels in L.A.-Long Beach, but no ship congestion    Vessel calls at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach continue to be higher this year than in 2005, but the Marine Exchange of Southern California is reporting no congestion as peak season begins in earnest, save for some delays for breakbulk and dry bulk vessels.
   “Virtually all the containerships have been going directly to their berths, and the (Pacific Maritime Association) reports that there have been no gang shortages to deal with,” Marine Exchange Executive Director Manny Aschemeyer wrote in an e-mail update. “The container terminals are reporting a good flow of cargoes in and out of the gates, with trucks and railroads moving their loads well.
   “There have been some reports of delays for certain breakbulk, and dry bulk vessels — due mostly to the shortage of berth space and limited terminals for those particular commodities — and some tankers have been going to anchor as well to await their berths and/or new sailing orders. But otherwise, it’s been a smooth and continuous flow of ships moving in and out of L.A.-L.B. Harbor.”