Shipping schedules across China are facing renewed disruption as the combined effects of severe weather, peak-season volumes and existing port congestion place terminals under mounting pressure.

Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian and Shekou are among the principal gateways seriously affected. Vessel queues have produced average waiting times of around three to five days at several ports, while delays in Shanghai have sometimes been longer. Some carriers have responded by removing Shanghai calls from individual service loops.

Conditions are also creating difficulties landside. At certain terminals, export containers are only being accepted two or three days before the vessel is due to sail. These shortened delivery windows are making transport planning more difficult, while shortages of suitable equipment are adding another potential complication.

Importers and exporters may experience schedule changes at short notice, extended transit times and cargo being rolled or short-shipped. Although port operations should gradually recover as weather conditions improve, significant backlogs cannot be cleared immediately.

The wider impact of congestion is being felt across the global container network. Around 1.7 million TEU of vessel capacity is estimated to be held in waiting patterns at any one time, representing approximately 5% of the global fleet. Before the pandemic, the comparable figure was closer to 2%.

Ultra-large container vessels are increasing the demands placed upon terminal infrastructure. As carriers consolidate cargo into fewer calls, a port may now need to discharge as many as 7,500 containers from one vessel, compared with approximately 2,500 only a few years ago.

Unique Forwarding is working closely with its partners across Asia to monitor port conditions and carrier schedules. Customers are advised to book early and allow additional lead time wherever possible.