Strong Typhoon Baihatun Approaches East China Coast, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port to Suspend Container Operations

Coastal areas across East and Southeast China have issued typhoon alerts as Strong Typhoon Baihatun approaches, prompting Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, one of the world's largest ports by throughput, and surrounding maritime hubs to suspend or adjust operations. Some coastal ports in East China began adjusting operations on August 5 due to the typhoon's outer bands. Port activities in key waters, including the major bunkering port of Zhoushan, Ningbo and the Yangtze River estuary, are now fully restricted. Multiple terminals at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port have implemented typhoon preparedness measures and plan to suspend container pickup and delivery operations from noon on August 7. Shipping advisories indicate that vessels in the port not yet subject to restrictions may still depart and proceed to nearshore waters to anchor for shelter, as is customary.

Meteorological authorities reported that Typhoon Baihatun, the 13th typhoon of 2026, has reached strong typhoon intensity. The Jiangsu Maritime Safety Administration has barred vessels from entering the Yangtze River since August 3, and Zhoushan Port has followed with a closure. Government agencies responsible for supervising the oil import hubs of Rizhao, Yantai and Dalian, north of Shanghai, have urged vessels to avoid southbound voyages.

Zhejiang's maritime authorities have activated a full emergency response. All 162 passenger ferry routes in the province have been suspended, and all 474 construction vessels have been safely relocated to sheltered anchorages.