News

Typhoon Bavi Continues to Impact Eastern China Ports

22nd July 2026

Shanghai Port

Although Typhoon Bavi has now passed and major ports across eastern China have resumed operations, businesses importing and exporting through the region may continue to experience disruption as ports and terminals work through accumulated backlogs.

The storm temporarily disrupted operations at some of China’s busiest container ports, including Shanghai and Ningbo, affecting vessel schedules, cargo movements and inland transport. While operations have resumed, the knock-on effects continue to impact regional and global shipping networks.

How Has Typhoon Bavi Affected China Ports?

Ahead of Typhoon Bavi making landfall on 12 July, ports across eastern China implemented precautionary measures to protect vessels, infrastructure and port workers.

At Ningbo, container collection and delivery services were suspended, while Shanghai cleared vessels from its Yangshan and Waigaoqiao terminals before the storm arrived. These precautionary measures resulted in delays to vessel arrivals, departures and cargo handling.

Both ports have since reopened and resumed normal operations, but the interruption created a backlog that continues to affect shipping schedules across the region.

Backlogs Continue Across North Asia

According to shipping analyst Linerlytica, nearly 2 million TEU of containership capacity remains delayed across North Asian waters, with more than 50% of global port congestion currently concentrated within the region.

Although terminals are working to restore normal operations, accumulated backlogs mean some vessels are still waiting for berths, while container handling continues to take longer than normal at some terminals. Shipping lines also continue to adjust sailing schedules and vessel rotations as they work to recover lost time.

Linerlytica estimates that it may take several weeks for vessel schedules and port operations to fully recover, although recovery times will vary depending on the shipping line, service and destination.

Adding Pressure to Global Supply Chains

The disruption caused by Typhoon Bavi has added further pressure to container supply chains that were already experiencing elevated levels of congestion.

Strong seasonal demand, an early peak shipping season and increased export volumes had already placed pressure on global shipping networks before the storm arrived. As a result, the disruption at two of the world’s busiest container ports continues to have a knock-on effect across regional and international shipping services.

Businesses may therefore continue to experience schedule changes, longer transit times and delays while carriers work through accumulated congestion.

What Does This Mean for Importers and Exporters?

If your supply chain relies on shipments moving through eastern China, you may experience:

  • Delays to vessel arrivals and departures.
  • Longer ocean transit times.
  • Shipping schedule changes and revised sailing dates.
  • Temporary pressure on container and equipment availability.
  • Knock-on delays to inland transport and cargo collection.

Businesses should also allow additional lead time for shipments moving through eastern China and remain aware that sailing schedules may continue to change at short notice while carriers work through accumulated congestion.

While many services are beginning to return to normal, some disruption is likely to continue until backlogs have been cleared and vessel schedules stabilise.

How Beckchoice Can Help

We are continuing to monitor developments across China’s major ports and remain in regular contact with our carrier partners to provide customers with the latest operational updates.

If you have cargo moving through Shanghai, Ningbo or other ports across eastern China, our experienced team can help you understand any potential impact on your shipments and advise on the most suitable transport solutions to keep your supply chain moving.

For the latest shipping updates or to discuss your upcoming imports and exports, contact the Beckchoice team today.

Please note: The information in this article is based on the latest publicly available reports and carrier advisories at the time of publication. Shipping conditions can change rapidly due to weather, port operations and carrier schedule adjustments. Delays and recovery times may vary depending on the shipping line, port, service and destination. For the latest information relating to your shipment, please contact the Beckchoice team.

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