Shanghai port runs out of space for refrigerated containers

THE Port of Shanghai has run out of space to accommodate refrigerated containers that must have power plugs to keep cargo cool, reports New York's FreightWaves.

Shanghai residents are demonstrating increased signs of frustration with the mass isolation, with people having to stay home and depend on the government to feed them.

Shippers are preparing to divert reefer cargo destined for Shanghai to other ports because Shanghai's citywide Covid lockdown.

The notices to customers are the latest manifestation of how the strict restrictions on movement within the city are impacting imports and exports through the world's largest container port and Pudong International Airport.

Authorities in Shanghai have sealed off the entire city for two weeks. Over the weekend a record 23,000 Covid cases per day were counted.

More than 90 per cent of trucks supporting import and export deliveries are out of action because of the restrictions. The slow pickup of cargo has resulted in long container dwell times, leaving less room to place arriving import boxes.

Decreased terminal efficiency is forcing dozens of container vessels to wait at anchor for berth space, while others skip the port altogether.

Import dwell times for containers at Shanghai marine terminals has increased nearly 75 per cent, to eight days, since the lockdowns began, according to supply chain visibility platform project44.

French shipping giant CMA CGM has urged cargo owners to identify alternative ports for delivering refrigerated containers in case port operators deny discharge due to the limited availability of electric plug-ins.

"As we try our best to safeguard your cargo, please note that in the event your reefer import shipment fails to discharge upon its arrival in Shanghai, we may divert the cargo to alternative transshipment ports for interim storage before shipping back to Shanghai when the situation allows," the notice said.

The Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the world's largest container vessel operator, also said it will begin offloading refrigerated containers at other ports because there are no available power plugs to connect to in Shanghai.

MSC said that unless customers request a specific change in destination within seven days, reefers will be discharged at intermediate or alternate ports of the carrier's choosing. "Additional freight charges for transshipment, storage, equipment rental and electrical connection may apply."

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2022/4/19 9:11:13