Delays grow at ports around Yantian

Maersk said that yard density at Nansha had reached 100% as of June 21, and the line expects continued delays upwards of four to five days over the next week. Nansha will only accept laden export containers seven-days prior to a vessel’s ETA and only once the terminal confirms advance registration by trucking companies.

Supply of 40-foot containers continues to be tight in Yantian and Shekou, with Maersk advising customers to use 20-foot containers as an alternative.

Shekou port, which includes Chiwan Container Terminal, Mawan Container Terminal and Shekou Container Terminal, has tightened its rules to only accept export laden gate-in four days prior to a vessel’s ETA.

For Yantian itself, Maersk reported operations in the eastern area of the terminal were at about 54% of normal capacity and gradually recovering, with yard density reduced to 60%. Maersk expects delays at Yantian “upwards of four days” in the coming week. On June 17, delays of up to 16 days were reported by Maersk.

The list of vessels omitting Yantian operated by Maersk and its partners reached 90, up from 84 last week. Import laden containers on those vessels are expected to be delayed for over three weeks.

Capacity at Yantian was slashed after a Covid-19 outbreak lowered staffing levels and disinfection work disrupted operations. Export containers were stopped for the six days to June 15. The port is gradually increasing productivity as workers return.