BULLETIN : SHANGHAI HEAVY FOG, PORT CLOSURES AND RESULTING DISRUPTION

Heavy fog that has blanketed Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta area from March 27th up until April 2nd has severely affected ocean freight carrier services and operations at both WaiGao Qiao & Yangshan terminals in Shanghai.

The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration implemented traffic control measures over the Yangtze River waterway and Shanghai port, and advised that there are more than 1550 barges and ships delayed along the Yangtze River channel.

The dense fog has resulted in  both berth congestion and temporary port closure which has seen  ocean going sailing schedules affected. It is becoming apparent  many vessel arrivals and departures are now off schedule. It has also been reported that it may take from 2-3 weeks for operations to return to normal in Shanghai.

Carriers have advised they are closely working with Chinese ports to address current operational challenges.

While we have been advised of some schedule changes we are not able to advise if we are fully briefed on all containers and vessels at this point in time.

We will be endeavoring to substantiate all shipping data at the earliest opportunity.

It is expected flights will also be diverted and delayed .