Vessel Delays Mount Across Several Major Ports In China
Storm disruption and peak-season demand have created significant pressure across China’s container port network, with Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian and Shekou experiencing some of the most severe congestion.
A succession of major storms has contributed to growing backlogs and vessel bunching, leaving ships waiting between three and five days at several important gateways. Delays have occasionally been longer at Shanghai, prompting carriers to omit the port from certain service loops.
Terminal restrictions are creating further complications for exporters and transport operators. At some locations, containers are being accepted only two or three days before the vessel’s scheduled departure. This is reducing the time available for collections and deliveries, while equipment shortages are also being reported in parts of the country.
Customers may subsequently experience longer transit times, rolled or short-shipped cargo and schedule changes at short notice. Even after weather conditions and port productivity improve, the current volume of accumulated cargo means disruption is unlikely to disappear immediately.
The problem also extends far beyond China. Around 1.7 million TEU of global fleet capacity is estimated to be caught in vessel waiting patterns at any given time. This equates to approximately 5% of total capacity, considerably higher than the pre-pandemic level of around 2%.
The arrival of more ultra-large container vessels is placing additional strain on terminal infrastructure. With some service loops making fewer port calls, terminals can now be required to discharge up to 7,500 containers from a single vessel, compared with around 2,500 a few years ago.
Killick Martin is monitoring conditions closely with its partners throughout Asia. Customers are encouraged to place bookings as early as possible, giving our teams the greatest opportunity to manage schedules and minimise potential delays.
