Major ports across China are currently experiencing significant congestion following recent extreme weather and operational disruptions, with vessel delays and container shortages further straining shipping schedules.
Shanghai and Ningbo are among the ports experiencing the greatest disruption, although congestion is also affecting Qingdao, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Current Port Congestion
Waiting times are currently being reported across several major Chinese ports:
- Shanghai: Average vessel waiting times are around four days, although some terminals are experiencing delays of between 4–8 days. At Yangshan, waits of up to 8–12 days have been reported.
- Ningbo: Average waiting times are approximately 2–3 days.
- Qingdao: Vessel queues are reportedly resulting in waits of around 3–4 days.
- Shenzhen & Guangzhou: Yantian, Shekou and Nansha are also experiencing congestion and delays.
The disruption is affecting vessel schedules and container movement through terminals, with congestion at Shanghai particularly severe.
Container Shortages Adding Further Pressure
Slower container turnaround is also contributing to equipment shortages at several Chinese ports.
Shortages are being reported across several carriers and locations, including Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Tianjin and Qingdao. Availability can vary considerably between individual carriers, container types and ports, so equipment should be checked when bookings are made.
What Does This Mean for Shipments?
The combination of congestion, vessel delays and equipment shortages is increasing the risk of disruption for cargo moving out of China.
Shipping lines may adjust schedules, omit port calls or roll cargo onto later sailings as they work to recover vessel schedules. Uncertain arrival and departure times can also increase the risk of additional storage and demurrage costs.
Road transport around some port areas is also under pressure, with heavy truck congestion making it more difficult to deliver containers into terminals.
Could Ocean Freight Rates Be Affected?
Although freight rates on some routes have recently been under downward pressure, the current disruption could slow further reductions.
Congestion, reduced equipment availability and adjustments to vessel capacity all affect the amount of usable space available to shippers. If delays continue and August cargo is pushed onto September sailings, demand for available space could increase.
Shipping lines can also adjust capacity between trades depending on demand and market conditions, meaning rates may remain unpredictable while the situation develops.
Planning for China’s September and October Holidays
Importers should also be aware of upcoming public holidays in China, particularly the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Golden Week.
Factories, offices, trucking operations and other parts of the supply chain can operate at reduced capacity around major holiday periods, while demand for shipping space often increases beforehand.
With existing congestion already affecting schedules, businesses with China shipments planned over the coming weeks should consider booking as early as possible and allowing additional time for potential delays.
How Beckchoice Can Help
If you have cargo ready to move from China, early planning will be particularly important while the current disruption continues.
Our team is working closely with our partners in China to monitor port conditions, equipment availability and sailing schedules. We can advise on available options and help minimise the impact of delays wherever possible.
If you have upcoming imports from China and would like to discuss your shipping options, get in touch with the Beckchoice team.
Please note: Information is based on operational updates received from our partners in China and is subject to change as port and carrier conditions develop.