Shipping operations across East China remain under pressure following Typhoon Saudel, while Tropical Storm Krovanh is bringing further uncertainty to services operating through the East China Sea.
Saudel has now weakened into an area of low pressure over inland Guangdong. However, heavy rainfall and flooding continue to affect parts of southern and eastern China, while Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan are still working through vessel and cargo backlogs created by the earlier port closures.
Meanwhile, Krovanh has moved into the eastern East China Sea. The storm is not currently forecast to make landfall in mainland China, but its slow and potentially changeable movement near Japan’s Ryukyu Islands may create difficult conditions for vessels operating in the region.
Saudel Leaves Significant Port Disruption Behind
Typhoon Saudel caused temporary closures and operational restrictions at several ports across eastern China during late August, including Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan.
According to freight industry updates, Shanghai’s Yangshan and Waigaoqiao terminals experienced closures lasting approximately 48 to 54 hours, while Ningbo’s ports were closed for a cumulative period of around 78 hours.
The ports have since reopened, but the interruption has added to congestion that was already affecting the region. Terminals and carriers must now manage delayed vessels, accumulated cargo and increased pressure within container yards.
Current reported effects include:
- Vessel bunching and longer berthing queues
- Delays to container collection and delivery
- Changes to vessel schedules and cargo cut-off times
- High container-yard density
- Restricted terminal gate-in windows
- Pressure on barge and feeder connections
A freight advisory issued by SEKO Logistics on 4 September reported waiting times exceeding nine days at some Waigaoqiao terminals in Shanghai, while delays of more than seven days were reported at parts of Yangshan. Conditions vary depending on the terminal, vessel and individual service.
Other freight providers have reported less severe disruption, so customers should confirm the latest position for their shipment directly with their carrier or forwarder.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Continue
Although Saudel is no longer classified as a tropical cyclone, its residual circulation continues to bring severe weather to parts of China.
The storm made a third landfall in Fujian on 3 September after intensifying over the South China Sea. Heavy rain subsequently caused flooding across parts of Fujian and Guangdong, with further effects reported in Zhejiang and surrounding provinces.
More than 83,000 people were evacuated in Fujian, while schools and public transport services were suspended in several coastal areas. Flooding has also affected roads and other infrastructure.
These conditions could cause localised disruption to trucking and the movement of cargo between factories, warehouses and ports, particularly in areas affected by flooding. However, the precise effect will vary by location.
Krovanh Moves into the East China Sea
Tropical Storm Krovanh formed over the western Pacific at the beginning of September and has since moved northwards towards Japan’s Ryukyu Islands.
As of 4 September, the Hong Kong Observatory placed Krovanh approximately 1,560 kilometres east-northeast of Hong Kong, with maximum sustained winds of around 65 kilometres per hour.
The latest forecast indicates that Krovanh will linger around the Ryukyu Islands over the coming days. It is expected to remain a tropical storm before gradually weakening, although its precise track remains subject to change.
Krovanh is not currently forecast to strike mainland China or cause another direct closure of Shanghai or Ningbo.
Nevertheless, winds and rougher sea conditions in the eastern East China Sea could affect vessels sailing around Okinawa and southern Japan. Possible consequences include slower vessel movements, revised sailing schedules and disruption to some regional or feeder services.
Further Pressure on Regional Shipping Schedules
The appearance of Krovanh comes as East Asian shipping networks continue to recover from several periods of severe weather during July and August.
Repeated port closures and sailing interruptions can create knock-on effects across later services, particularly when delayed vessels arrive close together or miss scheduled berthing windows.
The timing is also important because businesses are beginning to prepare for China’s autumn public holidays. The Mid-Autumn Festival will take place from 25 to 27 September, followed by the National Day Golden Week holiday from 1 to 7 October.
Factory, supplier and logistics availability is expected to reduce during these periods, while demand for shipping space may rise beforehand as businesses attempt to move cargo before the holidays begin.
What Should Importers Do?
Businesses with cargo moving from China, Taiwan or Japan should allow additional lead time and remain prepared for short-notice schedule changes.
Importers may wish to:
- Confirm whether booked containers have been loaded
- Check the latest vessel departure and arrival information
- Monitor revised cargo cut-off and terminal gate-in dates
- Allow additional time for collections and inland transport
- Book upcoming shipments as early as possible
- Avoid relying solely on original sailing schedules for time-sensitive cargo
Beckchoice is continuing to monitor port conditions and the progress of Krovanh. Customers with affected or upcoming shipments can contact our team for the latest information on individual routes and sailings.
Disclaimer: Weather forecasts and port conditions can change quickly. This information was accurate at the time of publication and is provided as general guidance. Customers should confirm the latest position for individual shipments with their Beckchoice contact.