TYPHOON DOLPHIN DISRUPTS SHANGHAI–NINGBO: RISKS TO REGIONAL LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAINS

According to the latest reports, coastal areas of Zhejiang have been significantly affected. In Shanghai, more than 1,300 flights were cancelled as adverse weather disrupted operations at Pudong and Hongqiao airports. Transportation and logistics activities across the Yangtze River Delta have also been affected.

Direct Impact on Shanghai and Ningbo

For the logistics sector, the most significant disruption is concentrated around Shanghai and Ningbo, two major gateways for international container shipping and global supply chains.

When weather conditions become unsafe, port operations, vessel movements, container handling, and inland transportation may be restricted or temporarily suspended to ensure operational safety.

As a result, shipping schedules may face several risks:

• Delays or changes to vessel ETB/ETD
• Adjustments to cargo cut-off times
• Containers being rolled over to subsequent sailings
• Delays in container pickup and delivery
• Vessel and container backlogs after port operations resume
• Changes to vessel rotations as carriers work to recover schedules

Importantly, the impact of a typhoon on maritime logistics does not necessarily end once weather conditions improve. After operations resume, accumulated vessels and containers may create significant congestion, meaning ports can require additional time to return to normal operating conditions.

Delays May Extend Beyond Shanghai and Ningbo

Shanghai and Ningbo are key nodes in numerous regional and international shipping networks. As a result, disruptions at either port can affect the entire vessel rotation and subsequent port calls.

Shanghai/Ningbo delays → Vessel rotation disruption → ETA/ETD changes → Impact on subsequent port calls

In some cases, carriers may adjust port rotations or omit certain port calls in an effort to prevent delays from cascading across the entire service.

For this reason, businesses should not only monitor whether port operations have resumed, but also closely track vessel schedules, port congestion, and post-storm backlog conditions.

How Could Vietnamese Cargo Be Affected?

Vietnamese businesses with cargo moving through Shanghai or Ningbo, as well as shipments involving transshipment via China, should pay particular attention during this period.

If vessel schedules at Shanghai or Ningbo are disrupted, shipments connecting with Hai Phong, Cai Mep, Cat Lai, and other regional ports may also experience changes to their ETA/ETD.

For export shipments, key risks may include:

• Changes to cargo cut-off times
• Delays in container delivery to the port
• Containers missing their scheduled vessel
• Cargo being rolled over to a later sailing

For import shipments, businesses should prepare for potential delays in vessel arrivals, longer container pickup times, and increased pressure on downstream delivery schedules.

Close Monitoring During the Post-Storm Period Is Essential

Although Typhoon Dolphin is weakening after moving through Zhejiang, heavy rainfall and residual weather conditions may continue to affect transportation and logistics operations across Eastern China.

In the short term, businesses are advised to closely monitor:

Vessel Schedules | ETA/ETD | Cut-off Times | Berth Windows | Roll-over Status | Port Omissions

Contingency plans should also be considered for time-sensitive shipments and cargo relying on transshipment through China.

Dolphin Sea Air Services Corp. – Logistics Update

Dolphin Sea Air Services Corp. will continue to monitor developments in the Shanghai–Ningbo region, including port operations, vessel schedules, and potential impacts on international shipping routes, helping businesses stay informed and proactively adjust their logistics plans.

Follow Dolphin Sea Air Services Corp. for the latest updates on ocean freight, logistics, and global supply chains.

- Hotline: 1900 986 813
- Email: info@dolphinseaair.com
- Website: www.dolphinseaair.com

Marketing