Typhoons Continue to Disrupt Far East Port Operations
There appears to be little let-up in the severe weather affecting shipping and port operations across the Far East this year.
Following earlier disruption from storms including Typhoon Maysak and Super Typhoon Bavi, the region is now preparing for Typhoon Dolphin. The powerful system is moving westwards towards Japan’s southwestern islands, with forecasts indicating that it could subsequently enter the East China Sea and potentially affect Taiwan and eastern China.
While Dolphin’s precise path and strength remain subject to change, any temporary port closures, vessel diversions or restrictions could add further pressure to already congested shipping networks.
Typhoon Bavi caused significant disruption across eastern China during July, temporarily affecting operations at Shanghai, Ningbo, Zhoushan and Qingdao. Although ports have reopened, some terminals and shipping lines are still recovering from vessel backlogs, schedule changes and accumulated cargo. Delays of between two and five days have been reported on some services, with individual shipments potentially affected for longer.
Shanghai and Ningbo remain among the ports facing the greatest pressure, while significant congestion and operational restrictions have also been reported at Yantian, Shekou and Nansha. When vessels miss berthing windows and arrive together, the resulting bunching can take several weeks to clear.
Port congestion is already a global concern, particularly during Asia peak season periods when cargo volumes place additional pressure on vessels, terminals and available equipment. Further weather-related disruption could increase the risk of rolled bookings, missed connections, equipment shortages and changing departure dates.
Atlantic Pacific continues to monitor the situation closely in conjunction with our overseas partners and will provide updates on any significant developments.
