China: Port Update On Covid Issues

China, like many countries, is being impacted by Covid, and in particular the fast spreading Omicron variant.

Operating a strict approach to lockdowns, ocean freight throughout the country is being impacted regionally and below is a summary of the current position at some of the major ports.

Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian and Xiamen are currently operating without lockdown regulations or additional measures in place.

However, port operations at Ningbo, Shenzhen and Tianjin are currently being impacted in one way or another, which has inevitably led to reduced availability.

Ningbo
Following recent outbreaks, only around 33% of the truck drivers are allowed to travel to and from other cities which is causing significant delays and many reroutings through Shanghai.

Shenzhen
A number of Covid cases were discovered during the past weekend. Drivers now require an up to date negative PCR test to enter the port. Parts of Shenzhen are now in lockdown and delays are being experienced collecting and delivering containers.

Tianjin
Lockdown measures mean citizens are required to work from home and are subject to mandatory testing. The port is still operating but some limitations apply for truck drivers which is causing delays.

We are fast approaching Chinese New Year, with the next 2/3 weeks being the build up to the annual factory closures. We understand that carriers may consider last minute changes in port rotations to avoid the worst affected ports.

Atlantic Pacific are monitoring the situation closely and suggest that customers speak to us prior to making arrangements of any urgently required pre CNY orders.