Customer Advisory: Typhoon Saudel Disrupting Ningbo Port Operations Amid Severe North Asia Congestion

August 27, 2026

APL Logistics is closely monitoring operational disruptions across East China as Typhoon Saudel approaches the Zhejiang-Fujian coastline, affecting port operations in the Ningbo-Shanghai region amid already severe congestion conditions across North Asia.

Situation Overview

Typhoon Saudel has prompted emergency response measures at major ports in East China, including Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, one of the world's busiest container gateways. Port authorities have suspended container terminal operations and moved vessels to sheltered waters as the storm approaches the Chinese coast. Reports indicate all container terminals in Ningbo halted operations beginning August 26 as local authorities activated their highest-level typhoon response measures.

Shanghai and Ningbo port facilities are expected to experience operational disruptions through the storm period, with vessel schedules, terminal productivity, and landside transportation all impacted. Port closures and gate restrictions are being implemented to protect personnel and infrastructure.

Broader North Asia Congestion Concerns

The typhoon arrives at a time when global port congestion has already reached unprecedented levels.

According to industry reports, more than 4.3 million TEUs of container capacity are currently waiting to berth worldwide, exceeding the peak levels experienced during the COVID-era supply chain crisis. North Asian ports account for approximately 50%of global congestion, representing roughly 2.2 million TEUs delayed across the region.

Multiple typhoon events over recent weeks, including Bavi, Noul, Dolphin, Narra, and now Saudel, have compounded vessel delays, terminal congestion, equipment imbalances, and schedule disruptions throughout China and neighbouring markets.

Expected Impact to Shipments

Customers with cargo moving through Ningbo, Shanghai, and other East China gateways should anticipate:

• Vessel arrival and departure delays
• Port omissions and revised carrier rotations
• Increased berth waiting times
• Extended terminal dwell times
• Changes to published sailing schedules
• Potential cargo rollovers to subsequent sailings
• Equipment and container availability constraints
• Longer transit times on impacted trade lanes

Even after port operations resume, vessel bunching and accumulated backlogs are expected to create continued congestion and schedule reliability challenges throughout the recovery period.

APL Logistics Actions

APL Logistics operations teams continue to:

• Monitor carrier, terminal, and port authority advisories
• Communicate shipment-specific impacts to customers
• Evaluate alternative routing options where feasible
• Provide updates as operating conditions evolve

We encourage customers with time-sensitive cargo to review inventory positions and transportation plans proactively, as recovery timelines may vary based on weather conditions and carrier network adjustments.

APL Logistics will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

For questions regarding specific shipments, please contact your APL Logistics representative.

‍Sources

• The Loadstar, Global portcongestion at new high as more typhoons hit China (August 25, 2026)
• Bastille Post / Xinhua, Zhejiangand Shanghai ramp up preparations as Typhoon Saudel approaches China'scoastline
• Hapag-Lloyd Asia & OceaniaOperational Update, reported by PortNews, Typhoon Saudel shuts China's Ningboterminals as Hapag-Lloyd warns of delays
• Asia Supply Chain Weather Center,Typhoon Saudel Regional Advisory & Port Congestion Update

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