Typhoon Dolphin Heads For Eastern China After Disrupting Japan

Typhoon Dolphin has moved across southern Japan and is now forecast to continue westwards towards China’s eastern coastline, with landfall currently expected between Sunday and Monday.

The storm has caused major disruption across southern Japan, where evacuation orders were issued for almost 260,000 people. Ports, airports and transport services have been heavily affected, with more than 500 flights cancelled.

Dolphin previously intensified into a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon, but has since weakened and is currently classified as a Category 1 storm. Despite that reduction in strength, it still poses a significant threat to shipping, ports and inland logistics as it approaches eastern China.

Authorities in Zhejiang and Fujian have already introduced precautionary measures, while strong winds and rough seas are expected across the East China Sea. Restrictions around container collections, deliveries and terminal operations could impact both FCL bookings and consolidation services for LCL cargo this week.

Severe storms have repeatedly disrupted Chinese port operations this year. Typhoon Bavi, in particular, added to existing congestion, contributing to vessel backlogs, schedule changes and waiting times of between two and five days on some services.

Unfortunately, Typhoon Dolphin may do much of the same and could potentially lead to short shipments and vessel delays during the next few days.

Together with our China offices, Westbound UK will continue monitoring developments closely and will provide more specific information for any customers impacted once the storm has passed. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.