Typhoon Dolphin is continuing its approach towards China’s eastern coastline (Friday 7th August), with further disruption expected across Shanghai, Ningbo and surrounding shipping operations over the coming days.
The typhoon has entered China’s coastal warning zone, with authorities across eastern China introducing precautionary measures as strong winds and heavy rainfall approach the region.
Current forecasts indicate that Zhejiang is among the areas at risk from the storm, while Shanghai is also preparing for deteriorating weather conditions over the weekend.
Shanghai Port Restrictions
Precautionary measures are being introduced at key Shanghai terminals, with container receiving and delivery operations expected to be suspended from 8 August.
According to operational information received:
- Waigaoqiao: Empty container operations are due to be suspended from 08:00, followed by laden container operations from 12:00.
- Yangshan: Empty container operations are due to be suspended from 06:00, followed by laden container operations from 08:00.
Restrictions may be extended or adjusted depending on the development and track of Typhoon Dolphin.
Ningbo and Zhejiang
Ningbo has already been experiencing disruption as precautionary measures are implemented across the Zhejiang coastline.
With the most severe weather currently expected around 8–9 August, further temporary suspensions and restrictions at terminals, depots and surrounding transport networks remain possible.
Vessels operating around the affected coastline are also taking precautionary action, including moving away from exposed anchorages and seeking safer waters.
What Could This Mean for Shipping?
Even relatively short port closures can create disruption beyond the period in which a terminal is actually closed.
Once operations resume, shipping lines and terminals may need to work through accumulated vessel and container backlogs. Importers and exporters should therefore prepare for possible:
- Vessel delays and revised sailing schedules
- Berthing delays at Shanghai and Ningbo
- Rolled cargo and missed connections
- Increased terminal and yard congestion
- Delays to container collections and deliveries
- Equipment availability issues
- Additional storage, demurrage or handling costs where applicable
The knock-on effects could continue after the typhoon has passed as carriers work to restore vessel schedules.
Airfreight Operations
Airfreight operations across eastern China are continuing at present, although conditions remain subject to change.
Airlines may adjust, delay or cancel flights at short notice if weather conditions deteriorate, particularly around airports serving Shanghai, Zhejiang and neighbouring areas.
Businesses with time-critical airfreight should therefore continue monitoring airline schedules closely.
Wider Supply Chain Impact
Although Shanghai and Ningbo are currently among the key areas of concern, Typhoon Dolphin has the potential to affect shipping schedules more widely.
Vessel diversions, port closures and congestion at one major Chinese gateway can have a knock-on effect on subsequent port calls, meaning delays may spread to other parts of carrier networks during August.
Businesses with cargo moving through eastern China should allow additional flexibility in their supply chains and continue checking individual shipment and vessel schedules.
Beckchoice is continuing to monitor developments surrounding Typhoon Dolphin and its impact on freight operations across China.
If you have cargo currently moving through Shanghai, Ningbo or other affected Chinese ports and would like to discuss the potential impact on your shipment, please contact our team.
Please note: This update is based on information available at the time of publication. Typhoon conditions, port operations, vessel schedules and airline services can change at short notice. Customers should check the latest information relating to their individual shipments or contact the Beckchoice team for further guidance.
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