Recent bad weather and a reduction in the number of large scale shipping alliances (“THE” Alliance, the OCEAN Alliance, and the 2M Alliance) has contributed to port congestion at several of Shanghai’s largest terminals. As the shipping alliances and members of the east-west Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA) continue to streamline their service networks to better accommodate bookings, delays are expected.

In addition, while the shipping lines continue to apply standard procedures, congestion at the ports has resulted in a container yard opening time that is later than Automated Manifest System (AMS) and Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) cutting times. This may cause an extra offloading fee of 300CNY – 500CNY (Chinese Yuan), per container, as both shippers and forwarders are unable to pick up their containers on time.

Port authorities have offered no official announcement about the ongoing port congestion, and shippers and logistics providers have not yet received a timetable for resolution. While some shipping lines have attempted to readjust their sailing schedules, wait times from 2-7 days are expected.

Deringer will continue to monitor the ongoing port congestion and will advise of any further developments. Please send an email to Deringer’s Marketing Department with any questions.