Canadian West Coast Maritime strike – ILWU and BCMEA negotiations

November 4, 2024 - Update 2

We want to make you aware of the latest developments impacting our operations. The Longshore Workers Union (ILWU 514) issued a 72-hour strike notice to the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), starting today at 8:00 a.m. PST. This will affect the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Fraser-Surrey, with an uncertain duration of the work stoppage.

Consequently, the BCMEA issued a coast-wide lockout notice, effectively shutting down both ports on November 4, 2024, to ensure an orderly wind-down of operations. For further BCMEA updates, please refer to: https://www.bcmeanegotiations.com/updates/

We strongly advise our customers to continue signing up for Transport Plan and Schedule Change notifications or check schedules on Maersk.com. The situation is rapidly evolving, and signing up for notifications is a crucial way to stay informed and prepared for any potential disruptions.

Please find the following status updates and contingencies for operations connecting to or located in British Columbia:

Ocean update:

• Vancouver TP1 service:
  • The Maersk Leticia departed on November 3rd at 08:43hrs.
  • The Marcos V is currently at anchorage, maintaining its place in the berthing lineup until negotiations are resolved.
• Prince Rupert TP1 service:
  • Brickell sailed on November 3rd at 01:21hrs.
  • The San Felipe arrived today, November 4th at 1130hrs. Vessel will anchor awaiting for resolution to be reached in negotiations.
• Surrey Panz Service:
  • Seattle Express is scheduled to arrive on November 8th. There are no significant updates at the moment. The impact will be contingent upon the progression of the strike.

Maersk Demurrage & Detention:

Maersk has suspended its import and export Carrier demurrage and detention clock beginning November 4th for Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Surrey, with the exception of import detention at Vancouver and Surrey. Alternate empty return locations remain available for Vancouver and Surrey. Please locate these on Canada’s local site under the Procedures Tab: https://www.maersk.com/local-information/canada/import

Rail update:

As of today, CN has stopped all international intermodal shipments bound for the west coast ports of Prince Rupert, Robbank, Centerm, Vanterm, and Fraser Surrey Docks.

Starting today at 11:59 AM, CPKC has stopped acceptance of all export loads and pre-billed empties destined for Vancouver ports.

For detailed information on rail operations and how your outbound cargo to BC West Coast may be impacted, we advise you to monitor updates from CN rail and CPKC rail.

Impact of CUPE 375 Strike Notice on CN Rail Operations

Separately, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 375) has announced a new strike notice to the MEA, starting an "unlimited" strike on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 11:00 AM. This action specifically targets Termont Terminal in Montreal, not Racine, where Maersk operates from. However, due to high yard utilization, operational constraints, and uncertainty due to the renewal of the CUPE 375 collective agreement, Montreal Gateway Terminal (MGT) is suspending rail operations; therefore, there is no movement of rail cargo in or out of Racine terminal as of Tuesday, November 5 at 7 AM EST. Also, as a result, CN has suspended and removed all capacity at inland terminals for exports destined to Racine terminals.

As these situations develop, we are in close contact with local officials and authorities as well as partners on the ground. We endeavor to keep you informed of any changes that may occur that could impact your supply chain with Maersk.

Thank you for your understanding during this time. We remain committed to supporting you and your business with your supply chain needs.

If you have any further questions, please contact your local Maersk office or Maersk representative. They are standing by to help.