| Lunar New Year is a traditional festive period in the Far East during which factories and offices across China and other countries close. Next year, the holiday will commence on Sunday 22nd January 2023 to mark the start of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit and celebrations culminate on Sunday 5th February 2023 with the Lantern Festival. The official public holiday closures are expected to last for 7 days from Saturday 21st January 2023 to Friday 27th January 2023. This is closer to the Christmas period than in previous years so could cause severe overbookings on vessels from the Far East. Traditionally there is a rush for bookings ahead of Christmas, as well as in the run up to the new Lunar Year when factories close for several weeks to ensure their workers can travel to visit their families for the holiday period. Carriers also introduce blank sailings to ensure that all vessels are as full as possible when they depart. Should you have any orders that require delivery or connection with vessels prior to Christmas 2022 or Lunar New Year 2023, we encourage all clients to place these orders as soon as possible to ensure bookings are secured. If you have any questions how the above may impact your consignments, please do not hesitate to contact us. | 
