Carriers would need to bring in an extra 29 boxships to restore weekly services at the badly congested US ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The combined charter costs of these non-existent vessels would also hit $1.415m in booming but sold-out markets, according to consultancy firm Alphaliner.

Terminals are facing congestion worldwide but these twin hubs in California are the worst hit, as unprecedented imports arrive just when Covid-19 has reduced the number of dockers and truckers available.