As Golden Week in China approaches, a recent industry report suggests congestion at Asian ports and subsequent vessel delays are tying up around 8.5% of global container capacity.

China’s National Day on 1st October commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and marks the start of Golden Week, which runs until 7th October. Factories close and business activity slows considerably, although some disruption has already begun following the Mid-Autumn Festival on 25–27 September.

While the Asia–Europe peak season appears to have eased for now, typhoons and congestion have continued to disrupt vessel schedules. According to a recent report, the average delay for vessels arriving late reached 6.8 days last month, a level exceeded only during the worst disruption of the pandemic.

The period following Golden Week typically brings weaker demand, potentially giving Asian ports some breathing space before shipments build towards Chinese New Year in early February. However, clearing accumulated delays could take some time.

Meanwhile, September has brought encouraging developments for the Suez route, with Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announcing the return of four services. According to the Suez Canal Authority, the Gemini network made 67 canal transits this month, while CMA CGM recorded 60.

With other carriers also trialling passages, a broader return could shorten Asia–Europe transit times compared with sailings around the Cape of Good Hope, subject to security conditions.

Unique Forwarding will continue monitoring port congestion, service changes and routing developments, keeping customers informed of potential impacts on their shipments. In the meantime, we wish our customers, partners and colleagues a happy Golden Week!