Regional Updates in Asia & Oceania

Updates on the impact of COVID-19 in Asia & Oceania

+++ last update: October 15, 2021 +++

Terminal Operations 

Japan: No specific issue, no stoppage, no slow down.

China:

• Pusan: PUS berth situation for Week 40 is showing improvement; however, yards remain at very high levels of more than 90% because of increased import transit volumes and arrival bunching due to off proforma. Expected to last until end of October.Both HJNC and HPNT terminal temporarily restrict gate-in moves for local & TS export which is not to be loaded out within 3 days to improve yard utilization until further notice. Both HJNC and HPNT berth waiting; time is 3 to 4 days.
  
  PNC temporarily restrict gate-in moves for local & transit export which is not to be loaded out within 3 days(5 days for TS) to improve yard utilization until further notice. PNC is suffering shortage of reefer storage due to high volume of RF from vessel sailed from South America. PNC average berth delays expected to be 3 to 4 days.
  
  GWCT and PNIT yard utilization is around 85% and expected waiting time is 1 to 2 days.

• Shangha: Heavy berth congestions in YSA as there are over 7-vessel line up for berthing and yard congestion, especially for RF plug. Aaverage berth-waiting time 4 – 6 days at SIPGSD YS4 terminal and 2-4 days WGQ terminal.

• Ningb:Yard situation at all terminals with an average of around 90%. Expected average berth waiting time across all Ningbo terminals 1 to 3 days.

• Nansha: GOCT terminal berth congestion improving and average waiting time 1 to 2 days. Berth-on-Arrival for regular service at NICT terminal. Extra loader case by case.

• Yantia: For export laden delivery, the current delivery rule / arrangement is ETB - 7 days. There is no restriction for import-laden delivery & empty delivery. For vessel berthing, 1 - 3 days waiting time is expected. Currently, YICT yard density of DG/RF is high, longer waiting time is expected if vessel has big DG/RF discharge volume. Current yard utilization is at 87%. In order to control yard density, extra loader vessel will get berth priority with no restriction. For extra loader with empty discharge only, need to apply in advance for terminal approval. For extra loader with laden discharge, need to apply case by case, longer waiting time or rejection is expected.

• Qingdao: Qingdao port is having berth congestions due to seasonal weather conditions. Average waiting time is 1 – 1.5 days.

• Sheko: 3 - 4 days waiting SCT and 1 to 2.5 days at CCT and MCT.
  
  Expecting more waiting time in week 42 due to port closed and effected by typhoon "LION ROCK" and "KOMPASU". All berths are in operation but with high yard utilization of 83% to 91%.

Vietnam:

• Vung Tau berthing situation has improved and vessels secure berth on arrival. For Cat Lai, the waiting time is around 6 hours. Yard density of TCIT is 80% while the one of Cat Lai is 81% (87% for inbound, 67% for outbound).

• Cat Lai Terminals: Further to the restrictions on import cargo to Cat Lai, SNP has announced that port operations resume back to normal as yard utilization dropped to 85% and vessel waiting time improved to less than 8 hours.
  Regulations however will remain in place unchanged (i.e. OOG, Reefer restrictions as well as pick up of inbound Containers within 2 days after arrival) as announced earlier

• TCIT Terminal: In order to reduce pressure to Cat Lai and other ports/ICDs during this period, TCIT is offering supportive policy for direct delivery at TCIT by truck for RF containers which change its final destination to TCIT, details as follows:
  
  • Free Manifest amendment fee when working with Ba Ria- Vung Tau Customs Department
  • Free first 96h of power charge
  • Free 50% lift-on fee
  • A/m policy shall take effect from 00:00 on July 20th, 2021 until further notice.
    
    
• TCIT would like to request Carriers to jointly implement the following measures:
  
  
  • Carriers to send (a) list of containers that need urgently transporting together with (b) Customer's commitment to receive cargo in Cat Lai stating "Customer commits to complete all Customs procedures related to the receipt of cargo within 48 hours from the time shipment is discharged to Cat Lai" and (c) Customer's plan to receive containers to their warehouses/factories. TCIT will facilitate and prioritize the transportation of shipments having commitments from customers.
  • TCIT recommends Carriers to adjust the final destination to other associated Ports/ICDs at the most convenient locations customers, such as Tan Cang - Hiep Phuoc, Tan Cang - Nhon Trach ICD, Tan Cang - Long Binh ICD and other Ports/ICDs in Dong Nai and Binh Duong areas to reduce pressure on Cat Lai.
  • TCIT continues to recommend carriers to adjust the final destination to Binh Duong Port, Tan Cang - Hiep Phuoc Terminal, Tan Cang - Nhon Trach ICD, Tan Cang – Long Binh ICD and other ports/ICDs in Dong Nai areas or conduct the direct delivery at TCIT to minimize the waiting time and additional costs.

Hong Kong:

• The current yard density and utilization of MTL is high around 95%. Vessel berthing will be prioritized for pure loading vessels or vessels with loading volume more than discharge volume. Berthing of vessels with discharge volume more than load volume will be handled subject to MTL yard situation. In average, the waiting time is 0.5 – 2.5 days or longer for discharge vessel and is subject to yard density. This berthing arrangement will continue until the yard inventory resume to healthy level.

• Singapore: The average waiting time at 48 - 72 hours for WB and EB calls. Priority is given to export calls to relieve the high yard density problem. Yard density is more than 95% and Reefer yard density is more than 95%. High yard inventory remains the key challenge, especially reefer yard. Terminal still prioritizing loader vs dischargers, and discourage liners from skipping ports of discharge and discharging boxes in SGSIN.
  
  Owing to increasing COVID-19 cases in SG, it is expected that the port congestion problem would deteriorate in week 41-43 as there may be shortage of manpower due to workers under quarantine and leave of absence.
  
  In view of heightened risk of the spread of Covid-19 infection, PSA introduced “Enhanced safe management measures - contactless (segregated) cargo operations” with effect from 3rd May, 2021. The main aim is to minimize the contact between vessel crew and shore-based personnel. There is travel ban for all sign on/off crew from/to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan. Vessel calls with last port India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan require maritime safety declaration prior arrival for berthing approval
  
  Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has been rescinding in-principle approvals (IPAs) and rejecting crew change applications for crew with recent travel history to Myanmar and Indonesia. This is likely due to the Singapore government’s tightening of travel restrictions for travelers from Myanmar (wef 15 July 2021, 2359 hours) and from Indonesia (wef 12 July 2021, 2359 hours) in view of the worsening situation in those countries.
  
  Tightening community measures to stabilize situation from 27 Sep where social gatherings max 2 pax, up to 1 gathering a day, Dining In also cap at max 2 pax with fully vax status, work from home remains as a default till 24 Oct.

• Malaysia: For Westports, the average berth waiting time is 30 hours and yard utilization is high (around 95%) and expected to last till mid-November. For Northport, berth waiting time is 5-10 hours. North port yard utilization is 95%. Vessel berthing prioritized as per ETA on window and vessel loading moves.
  
  It was announced on 1st Oct 2021 that permission for entrance and exit at the Port Terminals (Northport & Westports, including Southpoint) and Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) for all port logistic business activities is granted .

• Thailand: Thailand (Laem Chabang) – no congestion or berth clashes. HPT are allocating berth on arrival for THEA vessels. Yard utilization: HPT / Terminal C – 34% and Terminal D – 38%. No delay for collection or acceptance of containers.

• New Zealand-Auckland: No specific issue, no stoppage, no slow down.
  In machinery spaces one person at a time allowed.
  • Additional cleaning after change of shift
  • Hampers ability to maximize vessels and limited to at times proforma exchange.
  • Delays to already out of window services. (96% of services coming to AU are late)

• Australia: The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) will withdraw all PIA in MEL as of 8th October 2021.

Current Berth Delays at Patrick Terminals around Australia:

• Sydney–   5 - 6 days
• Melbourne – 6 -8 days due 30% labour in isolation.
• Brisbane – low level impact, delay less than a day
• Fremantle – delays can be up to 7 days.
  

Railway Operations 

• No reported issue nor known disruption

Truck Availability

• Vietnam: Less trucking capacity availability in HCMC area is already noticeable. The incurred test fee for workers / drivers have impacted the transportation services from other provinces.
  
  Trucking vendor ICD Dong Nai (off-dock service foe e.g. NIKE/ ADIDAS) has approached HL to absorb costs for COVID-19 tests for their drivers. Other vendors haven’t approached HLC yet.
  
  Recent procedure

• Register to get the approval for travel pass as well as have been tested negative for Covid-19
• Transport companies will try to arrange the accommodation for their drivers inside HCMC area
• Pay more allowance to keep the drivers to maintain the tasks / operations

If HCMC authorities continue to apply the additional social distancing measures, it is likely that:

• The transport companies might consider to increase their trucking rates
• The availability in transportation service might decrease due to lack of driver capacity
• The transport companies will decide on the routes they can still operate, i.e. limited to HCMC area

Barge / Feeder Availability 

• Thailand: Import LCH to BKK sector via Terminal A0.5. Expect 2 to 5 days delay. PAT is studying to allow barge pick up directly at Inter Terminals instead of A0.5 if cargo overflow at A0.5.
  
  The ITT (inter-terminal trucking) service charge (from Inter Terminals to Wharf A0.5) rate of THB1,236/unit has expired in end September 2021. The full rate of THB1,545/unit has been re-instated on 1st Oct 2021.

• Vietnam: Berth window is always congested and barge operators have to wait for berth arrangement.

Depots   / Equipment
No disruptions at the moment

• Malaysia: One of the depots in Pork Klang (GF Depot) has staff tested COVID-19 positive on 25th Jul. The depot was asked to close for 2 days for sanitization. Their opening hours are changed as follows:
  
  26th to 27th July : closed
  28th to 8th Aug : 08:00 to 20:00 (Mon to Sat)
  08:00 to 16:00 (Sun)
  9th Aug onwards : resume normal (08:00 to 12:00 from Mon to Sat)
  08:00 to 16:00 (Sun)
  
  
• Vietnam ICDs: Cat Lai Giang Nam adjusted the export to Cai Mep drop-off time to 10 days (i/o 5days) before ETA of MLV at Cai Mep. Effective date is from 26th Jul 2021 0000hrs.
  
  Cat Lai terminal will apply new rule for drop-off time for DRY boxes. The drop off time is 4 days before ETA. Effective date is from 1st July 2021 until the further notice.
  
  ICD Phuoc Long will receive outbound shipments within 10 days before COT at ICD. This special policy will be applied for HL customers only. As per their standard rule, 5 days apply.
  
  ICD Sotrans / ICD Tanamexco started to apply acceptance of export shipments drop off not earlier than 72 hours prior to CY COT as from 16th June 2021 until further notice.
  
  Reefer CY at ICD Tanamexco is seriously congested due to volume increased sharply. ICD Tanamexco will limit to receive laden RF units & is asking customers to drop off laden within 3 days prior to CY COT or later.
  
  Binh Duong Port continues to strictly implement the 5K practice for all employees and control all drivers and customers who come for work at the Port. All are required to present a valid negative Covid-19 Test Certificate before entering the Port.
  
  ICD Tanamexco will accept to receive outbound shipments within 10 days before COT at ICD as from 23rd Aug 2021.
  
  Operations at other ICDs remains as per normal

• Customer Service:
  
  We are continuing to operate on a Business as usual basis. If you require any assistance please do not hesitate to contact your local customer service representative in East Asia, local page can be found here and for Oceania local page here.
  
  For faster BL release at destination, under the current COVID-19 conditions, we encourage customers to switch from OBL to SWB however, we do understand that this is not always possible. If any assistance is needed please reach out to your local customer service documentation team.
  
  Counter services are still open for majority of the offices. For Counter Service Operating Hours, please contact your local office.
  
  Many of our staff are now working back in office, and our contact center remains fully functioning throughout this period.
  
  Thailand - implemented restricted counter service hours in BKK and LCH for drop off and collection of documents
  
  Cambodia – building management applied restriction by not allowing visitor’s access. HL have to release documents to customers on every Thursday morning at the ground floor outside the office building. Staff or visitors have to show their staff ID card and vaccination card before they are allowed to enter the office building
  
  If you are not already doing so, we highly recommend that you use our e-tools (Web-Booking and EASI) for submitting bookings and Shipper Instructions.
  
  For vessel/container/booking status and sailing schedules, please visit the Online Business section on our website.
  
  We highly recommend that you check out the Hapag-Lloyd Navigator tool for an overall glance of your current shipments with us.
  
  For Dangerous Good Cargo terminal gate acceptance, we strongly recommend customers to send us electronic copies of their Export Hazardous Declarations to be uploaded in your DG bookings.  

Additional Information 

• Myanmar: Myanmar still under “martial law” with restricted movement and activities.

• Yantian, China: Local Customs have tightened up COVID-19 control / prevention measures for vessel. The Customs will carry out COVID-19 test for all crew on board if vessel have called Indian ports or have on-signer who have visited or have passed through India in the last 21 days before visiting Yantian ; Cargo operation cannot be commenced until the test results, which normally take about 8 hours at daytime, are negative for all crew. Also, the terminals have restricted ship services such as ship repair, AGM inspection, ship & bunker survey, ship supply and etc. All terminals are currently using a contactless mode of cargo operation. With effective from 01-Aug-2021, YICT will not provide onboard reefer plugging / un-plugging service and such service have to be carried out by carrier appointed vendor.

• Vietnam: HCMC industrial workforce shrinks by half after Covid lockdown goes: Only 50 percent of employees have returned to work at industrial parks and export processing zones, causing a severe labor shortage. Pham Duc Hai, deputy head of the Ho Chi Minh City Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, said on Monday of around 288,000 workers, only around 135,000 have turned up. "Businesses are recruiting new workers." Saigon Hi-tech Park had around 50,000 workers before October of whom around half stayed at their workplace, but there too the numbers dropped after restrictions were eased, he said. Of the 50,000, around 40,000 live in Ho Chi Minh City and the rest in Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces, and the zones are trying to persuade them to return or hire afresh to resume production, he said.

• PS4 YM Unanimity 057W encountered loss of propulsion: PS4 YM Unanimity 057W encountered loss of propulsion after sailed from Los Angeles, CA last week. She is now repairing at Oakland port.
  
  There is no report damage for onboard cargoes; generator and reefer power are still operating/running normally. The repair work is estimated to be finished by 19th October, and she is scheduled to sail from Oakland port to resume the voyage on the same day.