China’s ocean freight network is currently experiencing significant disruption following multiple typhoons across the country. Typhoon Saudel is adding further pressure to an already congested network, with Shanghai and Ningbo terminals currently suspended.
Key impacts include:
- Shanghai & Ningbo: Terminal operations suspended, with vessel delays expected to extend by approximately 7–14 days and some vessels potentially omitting these ports.
- Yantian: Over-receipt restrictions are in place, limiting container gate-ins and potentially delaying export cargo.
- Container shortages: Limited equipment availability and carrier controls are creating additional costs and challenges for early container collection.
- Existing backlog: Cargo loaded earlier in August remains delayed at terminals, with some exporters incurring additional demurrage costs.
- Vessel space: The biggest concern is the knock-on effect of delays and port omissions. While terminals can often return to normal operations relatively quickly, vessel schedules and available space take considerably longer to recover.
- September outlook: With the National Day holiday approaching, continued peak-season volumes, Middle East-related vessel diversions and the possibility of further typhoons, we expect ongoing congestion, schedule delays, port omissions, container rolling and blank sailings.
Mitigation
We strongly recommend booking cargo as far in advance as possible and, where available, considering options that provide additional protection against cargo being rolled to later sailings.
Additional Capacity
ZIM is also temporarily restoring its OC1 service for Week 39 to help cover the service gap created by the ZAX service. The service will call Brisbane and Sydney, with the vessel using Hutchison Terminal to reduce congestion risk. DG, OOG and reefer cargo can be accepted.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as vessel schedules and terminal operations become clearer.