Impact on Shipping

26-01-2012

It is anticipated that the majority of goods entering the UK for the London 2012 Olympic Games will be transported by both sea and air freight. This is likely to have a major effect on any assignee also shipping during this time. The huge volume of sporting equipment will result in less room per shipment for all other cargoes.

The UK Border Agency and Customs departments will increase security before, during and immediately after the Games, particularly in the airports/ports close to London. New measures are being put into place at Heathrow due to the volume of firearms that will be brought into London for the Games; around 390 athletes will bring 780 firearms as well as 140 athletes bringing 20 firearms during the Paralympics. The London 2012 Olympic Games committee will be responsible for collecting and transporting the firearms at the airport to a secure location, but we are anticipating that this could cause extra delays for any assignees that need to go through Customs during this period. We also expect these tougher measures to affect the number of inspections that containers go through, meaning increased delays in ports and airports as all cargoes are subject to greater scrutiny.

Heathrow has also revealed that it is spending £20 million on Olympic related costs, including hiring an additional 250 security staff to deal with the greater demands of the period, which may overstretch existing capacity on baggage carousels and other services at the Airport. Whilst measures are in place for specific lanes for Olympic athletes, staff and others travelling in relation to the Games, any delay will cause a knock-on effect for all travelers.

We are advising that passengers and their goods do not arrive at or depart from Heathrow on July 16 and August 13, as these are expected to be the peak days for the arrival and departure of Olympic athletes respectively. It is anticipated that August 13 in particular will be the busiest in Heathrow’s history, and the most challenging for airport staff; athletes are expected to return home with at least one extra bag than they arrived in the UK with.

Sterling advises all those planning to relocate to London during the summer to plan as far in advance as possible, and allow more time for shipping. If possible, we advise that you plan for any shipments to arrive before July or after August and arrange storage if possible. Please make sure that you have a detailed and accurate list of goods being transported as far in advance as possible.

For more information on the Olympics, and the impact that they will have on relocation, please click here