Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in Eastern China on Sunday, forcing more than one (1) million people to evacuate their homes. Dolphin is the strongest storm to hit China this year and is causing disruptions throughout the region. Dolphin brought torrential rains to the Philippines, parts of northern Taiwan, and Japan’s Okinawa island before bearing down on China. The areas around Shanghai and Ningbo were the hardest hit, and delays in air and ocean shipping will occur in these locations.
Over 2,300 flights were canceled in Shanghai over the last two (2) days, representing approximately 50% of the scheduled flights. Flights schedules are expected to gradually return; however, backlog and continued delays are expected in the coming days.
Both of the primary ocean ports in Shanghai have suspended operations since the morning of August 8th, and currently do not have a confirmed reopening time. All terminals in Ningbo closed as of August 8th as well; however, terminal operations have gradually begun to resume as of the afternoon of August 10th.
Congestion had already been building in many Asia ports in recent weeks as a result of previous typhoons and other weather related issues, paired with strong shipping demand. Typhoon Dolphin is expected to increase delays and backlog across the region. The largest impacts will be in Ningbo and Shanghai; however, it should be considered that delays at these ports will have knock-on effects to other ports and terminals as well.
RIM will continue to monitor this situation and keep you updated of developments. Should you require any additional information or assistance, please out to your RIM representative for support.