Shipping companies are expected to gradually re-open their Shenzhen offices after the week-long lockdown of the southern Chinese city was lifted today (21 March).
Shenzhen’s municipal government announced the lifting of the lockdown in its WeChat account on 20 March, saying that the latest Covid-19 outbreak is under control, permitting government agencies and companies to resume normal operations and production.
The notice stated that the municipal government will adopt a differentiated approach among factories to maintain stable output.
Container News’ calls to the Shenzhen offices of Maersk Line, MSC and CMA CGM showed that some staff returned to their desks today.
One employee at Maersk said, “It was only today that the lockdown was lifted so things won’t be back to normal so quickly, especially when Shenzhen factories had to halt production all of last week. However, Shenzhen Distribution Centre and other warehouses which had to close during the lockdown are expected to re-open today.”
A Hapag-Lloyd customer advisory stated, “Gate-in/out container moves at the Shenzhen terminals are normal but queues are starting to take shape outside.”
The complete removal of the lockdown came after movement restrictions in five of Shenzhen’s districts were partially lifted on 18 March, as President Xi Jinping said China will try to reduce economic and social disruptions, while sticking to its zero-Covid-19 policy that mandates lockdowns in any areas which suffer outbreaks.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
