Shanghai Among Several Chinese Ports Facing Extended Delays

Severe congestion is disrupting shipping operations across China, with Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian and Shekou among the ports currently experiencing the greatest pressure.

A succession of major storms, combined with increased peak-season volumes, has contributed to sizeable cargo backlogs and vessel bunching. Waiting times at key gateways are averaging between three and five days, with ships sometimes facing longer delays at Shanghai. The disruption has led some carriers to omit Shanghai from selected service rotations.

Pressure is also building across landside operations. Several terminals are restricting the delivery of export containers until two or three days before the intended vessel departure. These narrow receiving windows are making haulage arrangements more difficult, while limited equipment availability is creating further challenges in some areas.

The impact may include longer transit times, port omissions, cargo being rolled or short-shipped and changes to sailing schedules with little notice. Even as operational and weather conditions improve, the extent of the accumulated backlogs means a return to normal service is likely to take time.

Congestion is also absorbing a considerable proportion of global shipping capacity. An estimated 1.7 million TEU is currently tied up in vessels waiting outside ports at any given time. This represents approximately 5% of the global container fleet, compared with around 2% before the pandemic.

Terminal workloads are being compounded by the increasing use of ultra-large container vessels and fewer calls within some loops. A single vessel call can now involve the discharge of up to 7,500 containers, compared with approximately 2,500 several years ago.

Croft Cargo is monitoring conditions and carrier schedules through its partners across Asia. Customers are encouraged to book early and allow additional lead time wherever possible.

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