06/05/2026
At times circumstances develop favorably; at other times they do not. The present situation concerns events entirely beyond our control and influence.
Our latest February container arrived at the Port of Rotterdam well in advance, on 18 February. However, at the final stage prior to departure, the shipping line unilaterally rescheduled the container to a later vessel for logistical reasons. Subsequently, and immediately prior to the revised departure, Dutch Customs selected the container for a physical inspection.
Such inspections are conducted on a random basis by an automated system, without any specific cause or prior indication. As a direct consequence, the rescheduled sailing was also missed. The container ultimately departed Rotterdam on 16 March.
Transit times are currently extended due to vessels being rerouted around the African continent. During the voyage, additional geopolitical developments caused significant disruption to global supply chains, resulting in further delays and missed connections.
At present, the vessel carrying our container has been at anchor in Manila Bay for several days and is unable to berth due to port congestion and the unavailability of terminal capacity. The latest information indicates that a berth is not expected to become available before 11 May.
While we fully acknowledge the inconvenience caused, these circumstances qualify as force majeure. They are exceptional, unforeseeable, and entirely beyond our control, and we cannot accept liability for the resulting delays.
RIBEX Int’l.
