APL Suspends Acceptance of Cargo to, From, Sokhna, Egypt

Singapore-based container carrier APL has temporarily suspended “acceptance of shipments” to and from the Port of Sokhna, Egypt.

The move comes after a weeklong strike campaign by dockworkers severely disrupted operations at the Ain al-Sokhna Terminal, operated by DP World. Labor groups are demanding the reinstatement of eight dockworkers fired for disciplinary reasons.

“We expect labor-management negotiations at the port to continue, but it is unclear when normal operations will resume. If the labor action persists, congestion will further impede cargo flow at the port and customers will likely face supply chain disruptions,” the carrier said.

APL, the container shipping arm of Neptune Orient Lines, last week announced “delay recovery surcharges” for cargo shipped from India to Sokhna.

- The Journal of Commerce.