Hanjin clears bankruptcy hurdle, but key container ship might not get to Seattle

A judge in New Jersey has issued an order that is moving Hanjin cargo around the continent.

The federal judge temporarily allowed Hanjin Shipping to have its South Korean bankruptcy protections recognized in the U.S.

The order came as its parent company came up with $90 million to convince other shippers they’d be paid for moving Hanjin cargo.

And that has changed the fate of a container ship that was destined for Seattle. Hanjin Scarlet had been anchored near the Port of Prince Rupert in northern British Columbia for nearly a week.

It was due at the Port of Seattle last Saturday, and it’s needed because Washington state apple farmers and hay growers use Hanjin to get their products to Asia.

Following the judge’s order and the promise of payment, Hanjin Scarlet docked at Prince Rupert and was being unloaded. The port said the railway had agreed to move the containers coming off the ship.

But there was no confirmation that the Hanjin Scarlet would resume its plan to stop next at the Port of Seattle. The Northwest Seaport Alliance – the ports of Seattle and Tacoma – so far has not confirmed that Scarlet will land here.

The hangup: Pilots, railways and other members of the supply chain in the Pacific Northwest need to make sure they too will be paid. A spokesman for the port said many are asking for the money up-front.