China’s major container ports are facing another period of significant disruption as repeated typhoons along the country’s east coast continue to affect operations at Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan.
The latest disruption comes from Typhoon Saudel, following earlier closures caused by Typhoons Bavi and Dolphin during July and August. With ports repeatedly suspending operations and vessels falling behind schedule, congestion has continued to build across two of the world’s most important container shipping hubs.
According to Hapag-Lloyd’s Week 35 Asia & Oceania Operational Update, increased waiting times at Chinese ports are being experienced following the combined impact of Typhoons Bavi, Dolphin and Saudel.
Shanghai Waiting Times Reach Up to 11 Days
The latest figures show significant delays at Shanghai’s Yangshan terminals.
Hapag-Lloyd reported average waiting times of:
- 5–7 days for Gemini vessels over 366 metres
- 8–10 days for Gemini vessels under 366 metres
- 7–11 days for non-Gemini vessels
At Ningbo, average waiting times were reported at approximately 4–5 days for Gemini services and 3–6 days for non-Gemini services.
These delays come after several rounds of weather-related disruption.
Typhoon Bavi resulted in the closure of Shanghai and Ningbo ports from the morning of 10 July until 13 July. Further disruption followed in early August when Typhoon Dolphin resulted in another closure of Shanghai and Ningbo between 7 and 10 August.
Hapag-Lloyd’s latest update now lists expected Shanghai and Ningbo port closures between 26 and 29 August due to Typhoon Saudel, adding further pressure before schedules have had an opportunity to fully recover.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Suspends Container Operations
The impact of Saudel has already been significant. Ningbo activated its highest-level typhoon emergency response on 26 August, while operations across Ningbo-Zhoushan Port were suspended as the storm approached China’s eastern coastline.
According to reports, 55 large container vessels were evacuated from the port, with terminals suspending operations as part of preparations for the storm.
Shanghai has also introduced transport restrictions as authorities prepare for the effects of Saudel.
The disruption comes as eastern China faces a particularly active period of severe weather, with multiple storms affecting the region during the summer.
What Could This Mean for Shipments?
The concern now extends beyond the immediate port closures. When terminals reopen following severe weather, vessels that have been waiting offshore must be worked back into already congested schedules. This can result in vessel bunching, changes to port rotations, omitted calls and further schedule adjustments as shipping lines attempt to restore their networks.
Hapag-Lloyd’s latest operational update already lists a number of Shanghai and Ningbo omissions and schedule changes across its Asia services.
For businesses importing from China, the cumulative disruption could therefore mean longer transit times and less predictable vessel schedules in the coming weeks.
There is also the potential for wider commercial implications. Continued congestion, schedule disruption and capacity pressure can influence freight rates and additional costs, meaning previously agreed rates, quotations or RFQs may potentially be affected depending on individual carrier terms and market conditions.
Planning Ahead
With the disruption occurring ahead of China’s September and October holiday period, including the National Day Golden Week, businesses with upcoming shipments from China should allow additional time wherever possible.
Customers may wish to consider booking cargo earlier, building additional flexibility into delivery schedules and remaining prepared for changes to vessel departures and arrival dates.
Our team will continue to monitor developments at Shanghai, Ningbo and other major Chinese ports and keep customers informed of any significant changes affecting their shipments.
If you have cargo moving from China and would like to discuss current schedules, availability or potential disruption, please contact our team.
Disclaimer: Information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to change as weather conditions, port operations and carrier schedules develop. Any impact on freight rates, surcharges, quotations or transit times will depend on individual carriers, routes and shipment circumstances.