Title: Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on vessel traffic in Shanghai Port: a spatial-temporal analysis and implications for shipping and transport logistics

Authors: Zhe Su

Addresses: National Institute of Natural Hazards, Ministry of Emergency Management of China, No. 1 Anningzhuang Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China

Abstract: The COVID-19 lockdown policy in Shanghai from March to May 2022 caused congestion of cargo and container ships at Shanghai Port, leading some vessels to divert to neighbouring ports. We conducted a spatial-temporal analysis using high-resolution satellite imagery to investigate this trend. Results showed a 52% decrease in import dwell volumes for large containers along the import queue to Shanghai marine terminals within ten days of the partial lockdown start. By 14 April, 672 ships were recorded dwelling in the awaiting berthing area, a 178% increase from the previous month. However, the situation gradually improved after a new maritime traffic policy was implemented on 5 April. By 26 April, traffic had returned to normal levels. Shipping delays at the world's largest port can have safety implications for the coastline and disrupt the global supply chain. Monitoring and analysing vessel activities during such events are essential to ensure efficient and safe port operations.

Keywords: ship detection; Sentinel-1 GRD radar image; maritime traffic interruption; COVID-19 lockdown policy; maritime environmental valuation; coastal management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2024.142363

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2024 Vol.19 No.1, pp.57 - 81

Received: 05 Apr 2023
Accepted: 22 Aug 2023
Published online: 25 Oct 2024 *

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