Typhoon Dolphin is disrupting ocean freight operations across East China as the storm approaches the region. The typhoon is expected to make landfall south of Ningbo on Monday local time, prompting port closures, operational restrictions, and vessel evacuations. Shippers should prepare for transportation delays and ongoing congestion impacts that are expected to extend beyond the storm itself.
The port of Ningbo suspended operations on August 7 local time as Typhoon Dolphin approaches the East China coast. Current restrictions include suspension of empty container pickups and returns, gate-in laden container traffic, feeder and barge services, and vessel operations. Vessels are being evacuated from the port as part of storm preparedness measures.
Other ports across East China are also implementing contingency measures. Shanghai terminals and additional regional port facilities have announced restrictions and temporary operational suspensions as weather conditions deteriorate.
Customers with cargo moving through East China should prepare for:
Weather-related disruptions and recovery efforts may temporarily affect air freight reliability across the region. This is particularly important for time-sensitive shipments moving through Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Ningbo Lishe (NGB) and Fuzhou (FOC).
Customers should prepare for:
The storm's impact is expected to compound existing congestion challenges across East China's major gateway ports. Prior to the closure, wait times were already averaging approximately 2 to 3 days in Ningbo and 5 to 8 days in Shanghai, depending on the terminal. While direct storm impacts may last only a few days, recovery efforts are expected to add further delays.
Port and carrier operations will likely face continued disruption as vessel queues build, container backlogs increase, carrier schedules become misaligned, and equipment repositioning efforts accelerate following the reopening of affected facilities. Market conditions may take several weeks to fully stabilize.
C.H. Robinson teams are closely monitoring developments across affected gateways and are working directly with air and ocean carriers, ports, terminal operators, and customers to minimize disruption where possible. Please contact your C.H. Robinson representative for additional support and information.