Chinese Port Delays Intensify as Post-Storm Congestion Builds
Storm disruption and peak-season demand have placed significant pressure on already congested container ports across China , with Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian and Shekou among the worst affected.
Following several significant storms this year, Chinese gateways are experiencing growing delays with vessel bunching contributing to waiting times of between three and five days at several key hubs. Shanghai has been subject to longer delays, which has resulted in the port being omitted on some specific loops.
Operational restrictions are adding to the challenge. Some terminals are accepting export containers only two to three days before their scheduled departure, narrowing collection and delivery windows and complicating container transport planning. Equipment availability has also become restricted in some locations.
The resulting disruption includes extended transit times, rolled or short-shipped cargo and last-minute changes to vessel schedules. Even when operating conditions improve, accumulated backlogs may take some time to clear.
However, congestion is not limited to China. An estimated 1.7 million TEU of global fleet capacity is currently tied up in vessels waiting outside ports at any one time. This represents approximately 5% of total capacity, compared with a pre-pandemic baseline of around 2%.
The increasing deployment of ultra-large container vessels is also placing greater pressure on terminal operations. With fewer port calls within some service loops, ports can be expected to handle as many as 7,500 discharged containers during a single call, compared with around 2,500 only a few years ago.
Atlantic Pacific is monitoring developments closely alongside its partners across Asia. Customers are encouraged to book as early as possible, allowing our teams the best opportunity to manage schedules and avoid delays wherever possible.
