Port Congestion | Week 38 line-up Vietnam Port Congestion Worsens as Typhoon Causes Drop in Vessel ?Calls at Two Major Chinese Ports

Container Backlog In Vietnamese Ports

Numerous ports in Vietnam have been experiencing a significant backlog of containers. It is reported that over 7650 containers have been stranded at various ports for more than 90 days. Among them, 3100 containers remain unclaimed, and 1240 containers have been stored for between 1 to 3 years. The port of Ho Chi Minh City is facing the most severe congestion, with 5800 unclaimed containers. Other ports are grappling with backlogs: Ports in Hai Phong have 1500 containers, ports in Da Nang Port have 186, and Ports in Vung Tau have 120 containers. The backlogged cargo includes 450 refrigerated containers and more than 6000 containers with other goods.

The port congestion reportedly stems from the collapse or bankruptcy of some shipping companies and the refusal of goods by the cargo owners or their inability to be contacted. Efforts are being made to expedite the clearance of the backlogged containers.

The Port of Shanghai and the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan Suspended Container Handling Operations Due to Typhoon “Bebinca”

Typhoon "Bebinca," moving northwest at a speed of 30-35 km/h, made landfall on the coastal region between the night of the 15th and the morning of the 16th. This typhoon is one of the strongest since 1949, imposing significant impacts on coastal areas.

To ensure the safety of port facilities and personnel, the Port of Shanghai and the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan have announced the suspension of container handling operations. As of the early hours of September 15, container handling operations were suspended at Yangshan Port (Shengdong Terminals, Guandong Terminals, Shangdong Terminals) and the Port of Waigaoqiao (Pudong Terminals, Zhendong Terminals, Hudong Terminals, Mingdong Terminals). Meantime, as of 8:00 am on September 14, all container terminals in the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan have suspended the handling of both empty and full containers.

Before the typhoon's landfall, the Port of Shanghai saw a 56% decrease in container vessel port calls between Friday and Saturday. By Sunday, the decrease had reached 95%. Similarly, the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan saw an 86 percent decline in port calls between Friday and Saturday, with no port calls on Sunday.

As of September 16, the waiting time for container ships entering the Port of Shanghai has extended to 36 to 60 hours due to vessel congestion, while waiting times for container ships entering the Port of Ningbo range from 24 to 48 hours. Thirty-six container vessels are currently anchored near both major ports.