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Vessels work around closed Ningbo Meishan terminal

Ningbo-Zhoushan’s Ningbo Meishan Isaland International Container Terminal (MSICT) has remained closed since August 11 at a key time for global logistics.

Gary Howard, Middle East correspondent

August 16, 2021

2 Min Read
View of ship at berth in Ningbo Zhoushan port
Photo: Ningbo - Zhoushan

The closure of a significant container terminal in one of the world’s busiest ports is due to a worker testing positive for COVID-19. The event is similar to the closure of Yantian, another major container hub, which had a knock-on impact on container logistics in the region.

As with Yantian, vessels due to call Ningbo have variously begun either queueing up waiting for a spot, diverting to nearby operational terminals, or skipping their MSICT calls entirely.

Maersk announced on August 13 that some vessels due to call MSICT had started to move to other ports within Ningbo. Most of Maersk’s vessel call elsewhere at Ningbo, but six vessels due to call MSICT on its AC6 service in August will omit the port.

Maersk reported that nearby Ningbo Beilun Container Terminal Phase 4, which more of its vessels use, had a waiting time of two days at the time. Other container lines have also announced vessels due to omit MSICT.

MSICT’s closure will put a great strain on the supply chain, as there is not enough redundancy to account for the closure of an entire terminal. Analysts expect that, as with Yantian, nearby terminals will become busier and waiting times will increase as container lines look for the least disruptive method of loading and unloading their customers cargoes in the area.

Related:Ningbo terminal closure and what if Covid hits more Chinese ports

Yantian’s closure came at a bad time as it disrupted to the supply of goods to economies attempting to re-open in the wake of COVID-19. Ningbo’s closure comes at a critical time for companies looking to get their merchandise into retail stores in time for the December holiday period. The closure will case delays for boxes due to be shipped via the port, but will also disrupt the flow of equipment such as empty containers which has been a pinch point for container shipping during the pandemic.

About the Author

Gary Howard

Middle East correspondent

Gary Howard is the Middle East Correspondent for Seatrade Maritime News and has written for Seatrade Cruise, Seatrade Maritime Review and was News Editor at Lloyd’s List. Gary’s maritime career started after catching the shipping bug during a research assignment for the offshore industry. Working out of Seatrade's head office in the UK, he also produces and contributes to conference programmes for Seatrade events including CMA Shipping, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East and Marintec. 

Gary’s favourite topics within the maritime industry are decarbonisation and wind-assisted propulsion; he particularly enjoys reporting from industry events.

Conferences & Webinars

Gary Howard regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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