NINGBO - MEISHAN ISLAND CONTAINER TERMINAL CLOSURE

It was announced on the 11th August that a positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Ningbo Meishan Island International Terminal (MSICT). The positive case has resulted in suspension to all operations until further notice whilst the terminal undergoes disinfection and quarantine measures are implemented by local authorities to prevent the spreading of COVID-19.

Ningbo Port has multiple terminals with MSICT being the only one confirmed affected at this time, MSICT accounts for approx. 25% of container cargo handled through the port of Ningbo.

The sailing schedules are already disrupted due to the ongoing port congestion from the typhoon that hit Shanghai and Ningbo in late July which led to the temporary closure of both ports. The situation is now expected to worsen.

Please note the following information: 

• MSICT: All operations suspended from 3am 11th August 2021.
• Containers currently at MSICT are on hold and will be subject to arrangement by the carrier once the terminal re-opens.
• Other terminals in Ningbo will be even further congested, the port will now only accept laden containers for gate in within 2 days of the vessel ETA.
• Ongoing port congestion not only for Shanghai & Ningbo but all China ports is expected.
• Carriers are expected to implement schedule recovery plans in order to mitigate schedule delays in the coming weeks/months such as blank sailings port omissions and port rotation changes.
• As the space and equipment will be very tight ex Ningbo, more cargo will likely be changed to ship out of Shanghai, this will cause further congestion in Shanghai.
• The freight rates are expected to continue to rise.

It is not foreseeable how long the port closure will continue.

We will as always, take all necessary measures to ensure your cargo moves as efficiently as possible.

Please contact your SCORPION representative if you would like to further discuss the contents of this update.

Thank you for choosing SCORPION INTERNATIONAL.