The latest pandemic lockdown affecting tens of millions people in 11 Chinese cities — including the major port cities of Shenzhen and Shanghai — is raising concerns over the possible impact on already congested ports.
The port of Qingdao and Yangtze Estuary are reported to be experiencing a significant increase in the number of ships waiting at anchorage, indicating further pressure on already stressed supply lines is building.
Despite the lockdown, ship agencies said that the Shenzhen region’s two main ports, Yantian and Chiwan ports, are still in operating as normal. They suggested this time around the impact may not be as serve as previous lockdowns.
Shippers are keeping a close eye on developments, particularly at Yantian, because a previous lockdown at the port in the late spring of last year contributed to widespread congestion in the country.
Although the ports are operating, ship agencies warn that logistics chain blockage could still occur in the region because of the closure of warehouses which are currently not accepting cargos.
The Port of Yangshan in Shanghai, the world’s biggest port by cargo throughput, is also still operating as normal.
There have been no notifications from liner companies of port omissions or delays.
Schools in the city have been closed for a total of four weeks and a work from home order has been issued.
No travel
Newbuilding brokers said they will not be able to travel or visit shipyards because of travel restrictions.
There does not seem to have been any impact on production at local shipyards which are still operating.
Jiangnan Shipyard, Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding and Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding are still working as normal.
Sources said that no delivery delays are expected as a result of the lockdown.
