More Large Shippers Chartering Vessels to Ensure Shipment Reliability

More Large Shippers Chartering Vessels to Ensure Shipment Reliability

UK supermarket giant Asda said it has chartered a cargo ship to ensure shelves are fully stocked with key festive products this year.

The Leeds-based supermarket chain has joined the ranks of US retail giants Amazon, Costco and Walmart, which have done the same to prevent a shortage of stock during the Christmas season.

Asda, which has an annual revenues of US$30 billion, blamed supply chain problems that have hit other retailers and made it harder to source goods from abroad.

It comes as Asda reported that year-on-year sales fell 0.7 per cent in the three months to September 30.

“This is the first time Asda has chartered its own ship and we have done so to navigate the industry-wide supply chain challenges and to make sure there is enough stock on the shelves for customers this Christmas,” a spokesman told the BBC.