Super Typhoon “Huarika” Shuts Shenzhen Terminals from 22 Sep – SCT/CCT/MCT Halts Gate Ops

Shenzhen, 21 Sep 2025 – Guangdong Meteorological Observatory raised the typhoon signal to RED at 15:00 Sunday after Super Typhoon Huarika intensified to 62 m/s (17+ level) east of the Philippines and began tracking west-north-west towards the Pearl River Estuary. Central Weather Bureau’s latest forecast predicts the system will be closest to Shenzhen on 23-24 Sep, bringing 14-16-level winds and 50-120 mm of rain.

Terminal Shutdown Notice  
In a joint announcement issued 15:56 Sunday, SCCT (Shekou Container & Chiwan Terminals) said:

“To safeguard personnel, containers and operational equipment, SCT, CCT and MCT will suspend gate services from 00:00, 22 Sep. Vessel operations will cease when wind force reaches signal 8. Recovery time depends on actual conditions and will be posted on our WeChat account.”

Industry Impact  
- Up to 18 deep-sea sailings on MSC Jade, ZIM Pacific, COSCO AEU7 and CMA CGM FAL3 loops are likely to omit Shekou or delay by 48-72 hrs.  
- Empty-container depots will close 21 Sep 20:00; reefer plugs will be prioritised for laden units only.  
- Barge feeders from Shunde, Zhongshan and Jiangmen have been blanked for 22-24 Sep, cutting off an estimated 25,000 TEU of export cargo.  
- Carriers are expected to trigger “Force Majeure” clauses, waiving detention but not extending free-time for containers already gated-in.

What Shippers Should Do Now  
1. Advance cargo – last gate-in before typhoon window: 21 Sep 18:00.  
2. Divert to Yantian or Nansha where berths remain open (subject to wind).  
3. Switch to rail-sea corridor: Chengdu/Dongguan → Alashankou → Duisburg → Hamburg feeder, 22-day transit.  
4. Book air-freight or sea-air ex-Hong Kong for time-critical SKUs.  
5. Insure cargo against delay & physical loss; obtain force-majeure certificate.

Sunnia Logistics (HMKD) Counter-Measures  
- Pre-locked 350 FEU on MSC Jade 40E, COSCO AEU7 43W and ZIM ZPX 42E ex-Yantian.  
- 24-hour reefer monitoring team; gensets and clip-on units reserved for chilled produce.  
- Free 7-day storage at partner CFS in Dongguan for cargo missing cut-off.  
- Express barge (night sailing) 21 Sep 22:00 Nansha → Yantian to connect TP8 string.  
- Dedicated customer hotline for re-booking, customs amendment and new BL issuance.

Booking Contact  
Email: [email protected]  
Mobile/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 135 3425 6328