A container terminal in Ningbo was forced to close due to workers who tested positive for the new crown, which caused cargo owners to worry about Yantian nightmares.

If the epidemic spreads and the authorities take further measures to lock down, the impact may be more severe than the interruption that occurred in Yantian in late May and June.

According to reports, a port worker at Ningbo Meidong Container Terminal tested positive for Covid-19, prompting the port authorities to suspend all operations.

The terminal is part of the Ningbo Meishan Free Trade Zone and has an annual throughput of 7 million TEUs. Meishan is one of the newest and largest docks in Ningbo. It is frequently used by Ocean Alliance members COSCO, CMA CGM and Evergreen. At present, there are many ships and ships that may be affected.

The Ningbo-Zhoushan port complex had a throughput of 28.72 million last year, making it the third largest container port in the world.

Freight forwarder Norman Global Logistics (NGL) stated: “In fact, operators cannot transport empty equipment or inbound containers to the terminals. The relevant carriers and ports re-arrange the cargo to other terminals in Ningbo, and which freight and navigation may be affected. The impact needs to be further understood. Most shipping companies use this terminal, but they will also call at other terminals in Ningbo, such as Zhoushan."

NGL pointed out that many Asian and European ships will call at Meishan, including CMA CGM's FAL3 and FAL5/FAL6 and COSCO's AEU3 and AEU1 services.

However, due to the closure of the Ningbo Meishan Free Trade Port Zone, the three Maersk warehouses in the area have ceased operations upon request.

NGL General Manager Stefan Holmqvist said: "If the port is closed for a long time, it will trigger a chain reaction, because other terminals in Ningbo cannot fully absorb the backlog of business under the long-term closure of Meishan. This is the same as we saw when the city was closed in Yantian, Shenzhen. The situation is similar-other terminals have tried their best to make up for it, but they cannot afford all the lost capacity."

In fact, under the influence of Typhoon Fireworks last month, the ports of Shanghai and Ningbo have been heavily congested. The increase in the frequency of new crown detection by port workers and restrictions on crew replacement may cause delays. According to reports, there are currently about 140 container ships waiting at anchorages outside the two ports.

There are five container terminals in Ningbo. The port decided to close ships and gates for at least one day, which actually reduced the port’s capacity by 20%.

If Ningbo Port or one of the six terminals is indeed closed or affected by reduced productivity, it will have a long-term impact similar to that of Yantian.