The number of containerships at anchor or in holding zones for Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach on October 21 hit 79 which is a "record" as 29 other vessels were berthed at the two ports according to the Marine Exchange of Southern California.

This means an additional eight containerships waiting in San Pedro Bay area compared to the day earlier, while the number being worked on in ports dropped by four.

On Monday, the Marine Exchange said it anticipated elevated and record levels of ships in port, with vessels within 40 miles of the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex considered to be “in port”.

On Thursday, 169 ships were in port, with 109 at anchor in authorized anchorages or holding areas utilized after the anchorages were filled. There were 55 ships in the holding areas, including 44 containerships, three tankers, and eight bulkers.

The Marine Exchange noted that the normal number of ships at anchor in 2018/2019 at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach — both ports accounting for 40% of all imports into the US — was at 17, which means the level seen now is around 93% up normal levels.