Data have revealed that in Shanghai, China, where strict restrictions on going out continue, the logistics of the port, which is the base of the international supply chain = supply network, are stagnant.

There is concern that the impact will spread further if it is prolonged.

Shanghai Port is the world's largest port in terms of container handling volume and is a cornerstone of international logistics.



However, it has been pointed out that the utilization rate of work at the port has dropped and the movement of cargo ships has stagnated due to the shortage of truck drivers due to the strict restrictions on going out in Shanghai.



This time, NHK received data on the position information of vessels navigating the sea and rivers from the "IHI Jet Service," which analyzes satellite data, and based on this, proceeded with its own analysis of the movement of cargo ships. rice field.

As of March 1, before the restrictions on going out in Shanghai began, the movement of cargo ships was active, and the number of cargo ships confirmed in the offshore area where ships wait for entry was about 730 per day. was.

On the other hand, as of the 16th of this month, the number of cargo ships confirmed was about 940, an increase of nearly 30%, and the number of ships staying offshore is visibly increasing.

Regarding this, Professor Takuma Matsuda of Takushoku University, who is familiar with international logistics, said, "As a result of the deterioration of the function of the port in Shanghai, it has become difficult to enter and exit from the port, and many cargo ships are waiting offshore." He pointed out that it was crowded with the forced cargo ship.



On top of that, Professor Matsuda said, "If this situation continues, parts and final products will not arrive from China to various places, which may prolong the logistics disruption of Corona. Even if the restrictions on going out are lifted, luggage will be left in the port. It will take about a month to recover because it has accumulated. "



Due to the turmoil in logistics in China, some companies in Japan have already been forced to suspend factories or reduce production.



The Chinese government has stated that "ship operations at Shanghai Port are relatively normal," but there are concerns that the impact on the international supply chain will further increase.

There is also a shortage of personnel to deliver packages to the warehouse

Due to strict restrictions on going out, Japanese logistics companies in Shanghai are also faced with difficult responses.



Luggage sorting work can only be done by employees who sleep in a facility on the same site as the warehouse, and at this company, the person in charge wearing protective clothing disinfects and sorts the luggage.



In addition, there is a shortage of personnel to deliver packages to the warehouse.



This is because it is difficult to secure a driver due to restrictions on going out, and the number of pass permits issued by the authorities is limited.

In addition, there is congestion on the highways where trucks carrying luggage travel to and from ports and outskirts.



This is because strict control continues, such as requiring the driver to prove a negative PCR test performed within 48 hours.



The company is trying to minimize the impact by utilizing ports and airports other than Shanghai or switching to rail transportation, but it is affecting various operations from sorting to delivery.



Due to the suspension of production activities, the transportation of electronic parts to Japan has also been delayed.



NX International Logistics China's Vice President Tsune Shimonoda said, "It seems that logistics related to Shanghai has decreased by about 50% to 60%, and the impact on the operation of Japanese consumers and factories is also very large. I want to collect and implement an appropriate business continuity plan to survive an emergency. "