Typhoon Dolphin forces shipping reroutes and port closures in East Asia

According to The Maritime Executive, Typhoon Dolphin passed Okinawa on Friday morning, heading towards the center of China's coastline. As a result, shipping activities in affected areas have been significantly impacted as vessels are moving out of the path of the storm. Several of China's largest ports have begun temporary closures, while Japanese authorities have issued evacuation orders covering around 260,000 people on Okinawa.

The typhoon had sustained winds of about 70 knots and was moving towards Zhejiang province at a speed of approximately 12 knots. As of Friday, the storm's strength had decreased from its earlier super typhoon status but remained powerful enough to cause significant disruptions. According to Baird Maritime, Typhoon Dolphin lashed Okinawa on Saturday, injuring six people and cutting power to over 50,000 buildings in Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures.

In China, authorities have designated the typhoon as an orange-category storm, the second-highest level. The National Meteorological Center forecasts that the typhoon will likely make landfall between Zhoushan city in Zhejiang province and Fuding city in Fujian province with winds reaching up to 85-101 miles per hour (38-45 metres per second) near its centre. As a result, coastal areas are bracing for heavy rainfall and strong winds. The National Marine Forecasting Center maintained its highest red-level warning for waves, predicting wave heights of up to 26 feet in coastal waters off Zhejiang through Sunday afternoon.

Ships have already begun rerouting around the typhoon's path. The Maritime Executive reports that several major ports in China, including Ningbo Lishe International Airport and Shanghai’s Yangshan port, will halt operations to ensure safety. Additionally, some rail services in the Yangtze River Delta are scheduled to be suspended from Sunday onwards.

Impact on Logistics

The typhoon's approach has also affected regional air travel with domestic airlines ANA and Japan Airlines canceling flights to and from Okinawa. Similarly, ferry services have been halted in various parts of the region to avoid potential hazards associated with strong winds and heavy rainfall.