Greater China
Operations at ports in South China have returned to normal following a previous outbreak of Covid-19 cases, but space and equipment remains critical to obtain as we head into peak season.
Due to persisting equipment shortages at South China ports, customers may wish to consider moving cargo to East China. However, please be advised that East China may also be subject to increasing port congestion due to recent adverse weather conditions. While carriers seek to recover sailing schedules via blank sailings, this offers yet a further obstacle to efficient equipment movement and distribution.
We recommend customers approach our Röhlig Sea Freight team up to one month in advance to allow for effective space consulting. Precise forecasting is key for long-term customers looking to minimise delays.
Vessel spaces have opened up ex Hong Kong to France, Australia and more.
Some backlog is expected at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) after inbound and outbound flights were temporarily suspended during Typhoon In-Fa. A case of Covid-19 was also recently reported at the airport which may result in delays as relevant personnel are tested.
The Greater China Air Freight market is stabilising but space remains limited due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Asia, India, Middle East, Africa and LatAm.
Our Röhlig Air Freight experts recently extended capacity FRA-PVG and FRA-HKG to accommodate rising demand.
Recent flooding in Zhengzhou has suspended operations at Zhengzhou rail terminals. Cargo is expected to be rerouted via other rail lines.
For customers looking for a cost-effective way to avoid sea freight woes, the Röhlig Rail Team has a multi-modal solution available from China to the UK.
Contact Röhlig China >
Contact Röhlig Hong Kong >
Contact Rohlig Taiwan >
South Korea
Accidents at Sea Freight terminals have placed further restrictions on Dangerous Goods. Increased import/export traffic at Busan is also putting pressure on space. The government has announced plans to help relieve this congestion with additional storage space.
PPE shipments remain high as several countries around the world observe rising numbers of Covid-19 cases.
Korean Air (KE) is currently only accepting BUP cargo ICN-ORD due to congestion caused by high numbers of flights at ORD. The team is seeking to temporarily mitigate this issue via use of other carriers and consolidators.
Malaysia
Lockdown measures remain in place, with temporary closures for factories and non-essential industries. Sea Freight carriers have recently postponed the release of additional slots, so space may become a challenge this month if pandemic restrictions are lifted and business rush to book their cargo onto vessels.
Congestion remains an issue at key ports with knock-on effects throughout South East Asia.
Singapore
The team continues to offer LCL services as well as standard and customised Air/Sea solutions to and from our Singapore hub. Origin and destinations include Europe and Oceania.
Indonesia
The team are operating as normal in accordance with ongoing pandemic prevention measures.
Vietnam
Due to a high number of Covid-19 cases throughout the country, shipping and airline staff are expected to work from home into August, which may result in some delays in communication.
Thailand
Sea Freight space is filling and rates are rising, particularly for freight destined for North America. Most liners have stopped accepting special cargo including reefer, flatrack and Dangerous Goods. We currently recommend customers book up to four weeks in advance.
Delays at nearby ports in South East Asia continue to have a knock-on effect in Thailand.
Due to newly imposed lockdowns in various provinces last month, transport times may be affected. Time limits are in effect for cargo loading at airports.
Preventative and proactive measures to safeguard employees’ health and manage day-to-day operations are in place. Lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease, however we still encourage customers to use online systems rigorously, where possible. Ports and Operations are at normal status. Liners continue to keep to schedules, but rates are fluid and subject to change.
Air Freight operations are also largely under control. With more forwarders moving to air freight solutions to avoid Sea Freight uncertainty, focus is now on tightening capacity. Large numbers of passenger flights remain grounded, affecting up to 80% of normal cargo movement. The suspension of most international passenger flights has been extended to August 31st.
DISCLAIMER - All information is provided in good faith for guidance and reference purposes only. It is of a general informational nature, and Röhlig Logistics GmbH & Co. KG takes no legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided via this document. Röhlig Logistics GmbH & Co. KG makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained herein and accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of the information provided.
