MAJOR ocean carriers have made alternate arrangements in dealing with shippers affected by earthquakes affecting the Turkish Port of Iskenderun, reports London's Port Technology.

Earthquakes near the East Anatolia fault have resulted in widespread damage with more than 41,000 people believed to have been killed.

In response to the situation, carriers have implemented commercial measures to minimise the impact on customers and keep supply chains moving as efficiently as possible.

German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has suspended the acceptance of new export bookings from Iskenderun until the terminal recovers from the damages it suffered.

The existing bookings with no empty containers' pickups will have to be cancelled as the terminal cannot be used under current circumstances. As an option, customers can proceed with new bookings from Mersin.

The German carrier has also suspended the acceptance of new import bookings until the terminal is able to become operational again.

Maersk's relief packages also include a free COD service for containers on the water destined for the Port of Iskenderun or containers gated-in full at the first loading port bound for Iskenderun to any other port in Turkey.

This includes re-stowage, operational and admin fees, and COD in this instance will be initiated by Maersk.

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has offered commercial measures for affected shipments, offering free COD service for containers on the water destined for the Port of Iskenderun or containers gated-in full at the first loading port bound for Iskenderun.

Evergreen Line has also made some adjustments to its operations and services following the earthquake.

As per clause 21 of Evergreen Line's bill of lading, in-transit cargo intended for discharge at Iskenderun will instead be off-loaded at Mersin.

Customers with cargo to Iskenderun are advised to change the discharge port to Mersin and retrieve their cargo as soon as possible. Any COD charges will be waived until port operations return to normal.