Two major shipping lines have sent communications notifying customers that they are resuming service to the Port of La Guaira as the first operational technical trials were successfully completed.
In an update to ePortal, IAMX Validated member Moving Life confirmed that following weeks of intensive engineering evaluations, trials were approved during the discharging of a humanitarian aid vessel. According to authorities, the repaired crane systems and piers performed favorably, beating initial forecasts that predicted a stoppage of up to six months at the port.
As maritime infrastructure resumes, the primary short-term challenge relates to the labor force. Due to the severe human impact of the earthquake in the region, business guilds are urgently organizing contingency plans to train and restaff the necessary technical, customs, and stevedoring personnel required to restore maximum operating capacity.
As reported last week by IAM, MSC has said it is resuming regular service immediately, and Hapag-Lloyd has announced that its next vessel will be berthing at La Guaira on July 20. Lower-draft vessels are already active at the port, which will also relieve pressure on the Port of Puerto Cabello, which functioned as the main national backup hub.
IAM Member Impact: Members should communicate closely with their chosen IAM partner to confirm any updates to the port of discharge in Venezuela.
Member Contributions: Moving Life AMP Movers, MI Global