China Port Operations – Typhoons Causes Further Delays

To our Valued Customers,

Recent typhoon activity continues to disrupt port operations across China, with the effects of Typhoon Dolphin still being felt throughout the shipping network. While Dolphin has passed, vessel backlogs, terminal congestion, and schedule disruptions remain widespread across key export gateways.

Adding further pressure, Typhoon Saudel is currently impacting China’s east coast and has forced additional port and warehouse closures, delaying recovery efforts and extending congestion throughout the region. According to industry updates received today, Shanghai terminals have been closed since the morning of 27 August and are expected to remain closed for at least two days. Ningbo terminals and warehouses have also been temporarily shut, with operations currently expected to resume on 29 August, weather permitting.

What importers can expect

• Delays to vessel arrivals and departures.
• Increased vessel waiting times and port congestion.
• Changes to published sailing schedules.
• Rolled bookings where vessel capacity becomes constrained.
• Vessels omiting affected ports such as Shanghai & Ningbo suddenly or with no warning
• Extended transit times on shipments departing China.
• Reduced schedule reliability across Asia-Pacific services.

Even after ports reopen, ongoing congestion and vessel bunching are expected to cause flow-on delays as carriers work through accumulated backlogs.

SILA Global Recommendation

Customers with cargo currently moving through Shanghai, Ningbo, or surrounding East China ports should allow additional time within their supply chain planning and monitor critical shipments closely.

Our team is actively monitoring carrier advisories and port developments and will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve.

If you have upcoming shipments that are time-sensitive, please contact your SILA Global representative to discuss current sailing schedules and potential impacts to your cargo.

Please reach out to sales@sila.net.au should you have any questions.

Best regards,

SILA Global Team