According to information from Shekou Port, the entire logistics of the cherry season in China this year was much better than last season, mainly because COVID inspection and disinfection requirements were stopped. Therefore, terminal operations have been smoother than the previous season, which contributed to the logistics environment.
This year, Shekou Port had its first Cherry Express vessel, from Chile to Shekou, especially for cherry imports, and they did a very good job with it, getting very good feedback from their customers.
Compared with last season, as pandemic policies are different, during the current season, barge orders from Hong Kong to Shekou or Chinese inland ports were reduced, so the total number of cherry imports to Shekou this season was lower.
Consumer sentiment is very positive towards buying cherries, especially this year. People celebrated after the Covid restrictions, especially during the Chinese New Year holidays, therefore, the Chinese market will probably continue this buying trend.
Shekou Port remains open to continue receiving more cherry vessels and continue to grow. And there is also good news from the port, because they have improved their facilities for refrigerated containers; the total number of refrigerated plugs in the container yard has increased by 20%, which is about 1,000 refrigerated plugs in the terminal.
Now, there are about 53,000 TEU for reefer container slots at the said terminal and also the reefer container inspection slot platform for reefer container inspection has been increased to 119; this would greatly improve the operational efficiency of this port in the future.
