Due to multiple typhoons impacting key shipping regions in China, vessel schedules are currently experiencing delays of approximately 5-15 days, with further disruptions expected in the coming weeks.

Background

Recent typhoons have caused temporary terminal closures, allowing operators to secure containers, equipment, and port infrastructure. These interruptions have delayed vessel berthing schedules and contributed to ongoing port congestion.

Following Typhoons Bavi and Hongxia, Typhoon White Dolphin is now moving toward the Ningbo region, while Typhoon Whale has also developed. With an unusually active typhoon season underway, additional disruptions to port and vessel operations remain a possibility.

Current Port Status

Shanghai

• Berth waiting times are currently 5-8 days at Waigaoqiao and Yangshan terminals.
• Despite record throughput levels, available buffer capacity remains limited, contributing to ongoing congestion.

Ningbo-Zhoushan

• Current vessel waiting times are approximately 2 days, with peak delays exceeding 3 days.
• Meishan Terminal yard utilisation is nearing 90% capacity.
• Some shipping lines, including Maersk, have been adjusting and rerouting vessel calls since July.

Yantian & Shekou

• Yantian Terminal requires container bookings at least 7 days prior to estimated berth arrival (ETB).
• Shekou Terminal continues to enforce cargo intake restrictions to manage congestion levels.

Cost and Capacity Impact

The current congestion is impacting both operational costs and vessel capacity:

• Container drop-off fees in Shanghai have increased significantly to RMB 1,000-2,000 per container, compared to the usual RMB 400-500, with some off-site yards charging RMB 4,000-6,000 during peak periods.
• Extended berth waiting times are forcing some carriers to adjust schedules and, in certain cases, omit selected port calls.
• Ongoing vessel delays and blank sailings are expected to tighten available shipping capacity throughout the second half of August, which may place upward pressure on ocean freight rates.

Recommended Actions

To help minimise potential disruptions, we recommend:

1. Allowing additional lead time when planning shipments and preparing customer quotations.
2. Booking yard slots and cargo well in advance wherever possible.
3. Remaining flexible with cargo cut-off dates and vessel schedules.
4. Monitoring developments at South China ports, as congestion may spread if disruptions across East China continue.

Our team is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as they become available. Please contact your Stockwell representative if you have any questions regarding your shipments.

Australian biosecurity requirements can change at short notice, and overseas treatment providers may be suspended or removed from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's approved treatment provider list due to non-compliance.

To avoid delays, additional costs, or biosecurity intervention on arrival, we strongly recommend that importers and overseas suppliers regularly verify that their fumigation or treatment provider remains approved and accepted by Australian quarantine authorities before arranging treatment and shipment.

Treatment certificates issued by providers that have been suspended may not be accepted by Australian authorities, including certificates issued before the suspension date. This can affect consignments already in transit to Australia.

Where treatment has been completed by a suspended provider, the Department may direct consignments for further biosecurity management upon arrival, which could include additional treatment, inspection, export, or other actions considered necessary to manage biosecurity risks.

This is particularly important for goods subject to:

• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) seasonal measures
• Khapra beetle treatment requirements
• Other biosecurity treatments that require certification from approved offshore treatment providers

We encourage all importers, exporters, and overseas suppliers to routinely check the Department's List of Treatment Providers and recent status updates to ensure treatment arrangements remain compliant with Australian import requirements.

Failing to confirm a provider's current approval status before shipment may result in processing delays, additional costs, and potential impacts to supply chains.

If you have any questions regarding treatment provider compliance or import requirements, please contact our team before your goods are shipped.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season 2026–2027 is Almost Here

As we approach the start of the 2026–2027 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season, Stockwells would like to remind clients to begin reviewing their import and supply chain arrangements ahead of the upcoming measures.

While the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has not yet released the final seasonal requirements, industry advice indicates that no significant changes are currently expected to the existing BMSB framework.

Why BMSB Matters

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a serious biosecurity threat to Australia. Native to East Asia, this invasive pest can cause significant damage to agriculture, horticulture and the environment if introduced and established within Australia.

During the northern hemisphere autumn and winter months, BMSB commonly seeks shelter in cargo, shipping containers, machinery, vehicles and other imported goods. This creates a heightened risk of the pest being transported internationally and arriving in Australia undetected.

Australia's seasonal BMSB programme has been highly effective in preventing incursions through a combination of offshore treatment requirements, inspections and strict import controls. These measures play a vital role in protecting Australian industries and minimising the potential economic impact of an outbreak.

Time to Prepare

Although the final 2026–2027 requirements are yet to be announced, now is the ideal time for importers to prepare by:

• Reviewing current BMSB management processes and procedures.
• Engaging with overseas suppliers regarding treatment requirements.
• Identifying shipments that may be impacted by BMSB measures.
• Confirming treatment providers are approved by DAFF.
• Planning shipping schedules early to avoid treatment and booking capacity constraints.
• Monitoring industry and departmental updates for the final seasonal arrangements.

Key Measures Expected for the 2026–2027 Season

Based on current advice from DAFF, the following core elements of the BMSB programme are expected to remain unchanged:

Season Dates

The BMSB risk season is expected to apply to target high-risk goods from target risk countries shipped by sea between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027 (inclusive).

Target Risk Countries and High-Risk Goods

No changes are currently anticipated to the list of target risk countries or target high-risk goods.

Random Inspections

Goods from emerging risk countries, along with airfreight consignments originating from the United States and China, are expected to remain subject to random inspections throughout the season.

Mandatory Offshore Treatment

Target high-risk goods shipped as breakbulk cargo, including flat-rack and open-top containers, are expected to continue requiring mandatory offshore treatment prior to arrival in Australia.

Stay Informed

Stockwells will continue to monitor announcements from DAFF and provide updates as soon as the final 2026–2027 BMSB seasonal measures are released.

If you have upcoming shipments that may be affected by BMSB requirements, please contact the Stockwells team to discuss your treatment, documentation and scheduling requirements.