Port Operations Update
La Guaira Port Operations Suspended After Venezuela Earthquakes: Maersk and MSC Adjust Services
Following the recent earthquakes in northern Venezuela, commercial operations at the Port of La Guaira have not yet resumed. As one of Venezuela’s important container gateways, the suspension of operations at La Guaira is creating immediate impacts on import and export cargo movement, vessel planning, container handling, and inland logistics arrangements.
Major global container carriers, including Maersk and MSC, have issued operational updates in response to the disruption. Their measures include booking adjustments, temporary suspension of import and export handling through La Guaira, empty container return instructions, and cargo diversion to Puerto Cabello.
Key Points for Shippers
- La Guaira commercial operations: Not yet fully resumed.
- Maersk: Selected new bookings from the Intra-Americas Network to La Guaira are temporarily suspended.
- MSC: Import and export handling through La Guaira Container Terminal is suspended.
- Cargo diversion: Some in-transit cargo may be discharged at Puerto Cabello.
- Empty container return: Customers should follow the latest carrier instructions, including temporary return arrangements at Puerto Cabello.
Maersk Suspends Selected Bookings to La Guaira
Due to the ongoing suspension of commercial operations at La Guaira, Maersk has adjusted its related services.
Maersk has temporarily suspended acceptance of new bookings from its Intra-Americas Network to the Port of La Guaira. However, bookings from other origins or other service networks to La Guaira are still being accepted until further notice.
In addition, Maersk has instructed customers to return all empty containers to its container depot in Puerto Cabello until normal operations at La Guaira are restored.
The company stated that it is working closely with local teams and Venezuelan authorities to reduce the impact on customers’ supply chains and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
MSC Suspends La Guaira Container Terminal Operations
MSC has also taken emergency operational measures following the earthquake impact.
According to MSC’s customer advisory, significant structural damage has halted operations at the La Guaira Container Terminal. As a result, import and export container handling through the terminal is currently suspended until operations can safely resume.
For cargo that has already been loaded and is sailing toward La Guaira, MSC will divert shipments to the Port of Puerto Cabello for discharge. This temporary arrangement is intended to maintain service continuity while ensuring safe cargo handling.
MSC also stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates once La Guaira Container Terminal is ready to resume operations.
Port Recovery Timeline Remains Uncertain
At present, there is no confirmed timeline for the full resumption of commercial operations at the Port of La Guaira. Because port infrastructure and terminal operations have been affected by the earthquakes, the recovery process may depend on safety inspections, infrastructure assessment, power supply, port authority approval, and terminal readiness.
Before La Guaira returns to normal service, some cargo flows may continue to be redirected through alternative ports such as Puerto Cabello. This may affect transit time, local handling arrangements, inland transportation, container return requirements, and overall delivery schedules.
What Shippers and Importers Should Do
1. Check Carrier Notices
Shippers should review the latest updates from Maersk, MSC, and other carriers before confirming bookings or delivery plans.
2. Confirm Booking Acceptance
For cargo destined for La Guaira, it is important to confirm whether new bookings are currently accepted and whether any route restrictions apply.
3. Monitor Cargo Diversion
For cargo already in transit, customers should confirm whether the discharge port has been changed to Puerto Cabello or another alternative port.
4. Review Empty Return Rules
Customers should follow the latest empty return requirements, especially if carriers require empty containers to be returned to Puerto Cabello temporarily.
5. Allow Extra Delivery Time
Cargo diversion and port disruption may affect customs clearance, local trucking, warehouse planning, and final delivery schedules.
Vastlog Recommendation
La Guaira is one of Venezuela’s key container ports, and the temporary suspension of commercial operations may directly affect import and export logistics in the region.
For shippers and freight forwarders with upcoming Venezuela shipments, Vastlog recommends closely monitoring carrier announcements, port authority updates, and local agent feedback. Booking policies, discharge port arrangements, container return requirements, and delivery schedules should be confirmed before cargo departure.
Vastlog will continue to follow the situation at La Guaira and other Venezuelan ports. If you have cargo planned for Venezuela or Latin America, our team can help review available routing options, carrier schedules, customs requirements, and alternative logistics plans to reduce supply chain disruption.
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Disclaimer: This article is for general logistics and market information only. Port operations, carrier policies, booking acceptance, and cargo diversion arrangements may change without prior notice. Shippers should confirm the latest details with carriers, local agents, customs brokers, and port authorities before shipment.
