Congestion at Chinese ports caused by the coronavirus (Covid-19) is causing problems with the delivery of reefer containers.

The major state-owned Chinese shipyards have started to resume work under the central government’s requirement on novel coronavirus prevention and control, however, large private yards remained closed.

One wonders, as the size and capacity of cruise ships mushroomed, and the various lines proudly unveiled their latest mammoth vessel, with all its outrageous attractions, whether anyone gave much thought to the prospect of the thousands of souls...

Container lines are taking an estimated revenue hit of $300m - $350m as they blank sailings due to the impact coronavirus in China according to analysts Sea-Intelligence.

The coronavirus has not had a major impact on volumes for Chinese ports that have published figures for January.

With the coronavirus still in its early stages of the outbreak, global seaborne trade is already reeling from an immediate consequence of dropping demand and freight rates, though the medium to long term implications remain “immensely difficult”...

With countries across the globe announcing new restrictions on ships and crew that have called mainland Chinese ports in an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus staying fully up to date can be a complex task.

Chinese container port volumes could take an estimated hit of 6m teu in the first quarter from the impact of the coronavirus believes analyst Alphaliner.

As countries place restrictions on the crews and vessels that have called ports in China lawyers have been grappling with the question of whether a ship can refuse to call at port due to fears of coronavirus.

Sixteen Chinese ports and port groups have started to offer exemptions and reductions in port charges as the country battles the coronavirus outbreak.