Shanghai port operations normalising as lockdown tapers

French logistics group GEODIS noted that as Shanghai’s Covid-19 infections have declined to the hundreds in mid-May, the world’s busiest container port is returning to normalcy. Commercial businesses and public transportation have gradually resumed since mid-May, after the lockdown began on 28 March.

GEODIS said, “The exclusive lockdown campaign in Waigaoqiao ended. Consequently, facilities such as container freight stations and container depots associated to Waigaoqiao have gradually gone back to normal in the past week. As a result, the traffic congestion in the Yangshan area has been relieved.”

A commentary from VesselsValue, dated 27 May, said that Shanghai’s congestion remains high for the time of year, but is steadily normalising as the Covid-19 outbreak subsides.

Average waiting times for container ships in Shanghai are now down to 36 hours, from a peak of 69 hours in late April, but remain some 13 hours higher than in the same period in 2021.

On 26 May, China’s Ministry of Transport held a press briefing, where deputy director of transportation services, Li Huaqiang said that in the previous week, Shanghai’s container throughput had recovered to 95.3% of pre-Covid-19 levels.

Trucking volume, affected by inter-city Covid-19 testing, has also rebounded to 90% of pre-pandemic levels.

Li said, “Today, our efforts at facilitating logistics are gradually moving from opening up the main artery to smoothing out the fine details. In the next step, the ministry will focus on improving logistical efficiencies, protecting people’s livelihoods, and reducing burdens. We will provide more support to maintain economic and social stability.”

Source: Container News