Yantian congestion abates, but doesn’t clear

Despite last week’s temporary closure to container deliveries, congestion continues at Yantian International Container Terminal (YICT), as the port struggles to restore operational efficiency after suffering a COVD-19 outbreak. Container gate-in times have now been reduced, from four to three days of a vessel’s estimated time of arrival (ETA) until the 6th June.

The recent surge in cases led to a temporary halt in the terminal accepting laden export containers last week, causing widespread traffic congestion in the Yantian area, with delays of up to 10 hours to collect containers. 

While the ban was lifted on Monday, port productivity is still suffering as dock workers are quarantined or working in reduced shifts, which means it is likely to take another week or so to get back to normal.

Operations in the eastern area of the terminal, where mother vessels mainly berth, continues to experience the low productivity outlined above, which is about 30% of its normal level. (Operations in the western area of YICT have been suspended until further notice.)

Some container lines are already diverting ships to nearby ports or skipping Yantian, which will directly impact the already low ocean reliability. 

Maersk told shippers in a customer advisory on Monday to expect seven to eight days of vessel delays and around 40 container ships were waiting to berth at Yantian at the beginning of the week, though most of this backlog has since been cleared. 

Effective from Monday and until the 6th June, Yantian will only accept export laden containers within three days of a vessel’s ETA, while Shekou Container Terminal, which is located on the western side of Shenzhen and the obvious choice for diverted cargo, said it would only accept laden containers within five days of vessel departure. 

While many carriers have maintained their Yantian call, including Cosco Shipping, some are diverting services or skipping Yantian calls. In their customer advisory, Maersk said it would skip Yantian on 10 services between 31st May and 6th June, adding that pick-up takes at least eight hours longer now. 

While the congestion continues at Yantian and other Asia ports, we will continue to do everything we can to mitigate its impact and provide alternative solutions where it is appropriate or necessary. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like any further information regarding the situation in Yantian, please don’t hesitate to contact Matt Fullard or your account manager.