Ports braced for impact of Hanjin collapse

The world’s seventh largest container line applied for receivership in August and in the immediate aftermath there were reports of vessels being ordered by Hanjin to stay out at sea to avoid the risk of arrest in port. At the same time, sources said that a number of ports, including Jebel Ali, Shanghai, Xiamen, Valencia and Savannah, were refusing to berth Hanjin ships because the line owes several million dollars in port dues and because of concerns about its ability to pay fees.

Law firm Holman Fenwick Willan expected terminals and container yards owed money by Hanjin to be seeking advice on recovery. “Some ports are apparently exercising a lien over Hanjin containers. This will in turn cause serious delays to the delivery of cargoes,” said partner Craig Neame.

Meanwhile, port agents also face uncertainty over recovery of any unpaid agency fees, said HFW. “A range of options is available to parties affected by the onset of Hanjin’s rehabilitation and we would encourage those affected to seek advice as soon as possible to protect their position.”