- Super Typhoon Ragasa Disrupts South China Coastal Ports.
- Scarborough Shoal Tensions Escalate Amid Philippine Resupply.
- Operators Advised on Navigation, Itinerary, and Shore-Side Risk Adjustments.
The U.S. Southern Command has ramped up its counter-narcotics efforts by adding a fourth Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the USS Stockdale, to its fleet, which already includes the USS Jason Dunham, USS Gravely, and the cruiser USS Lake Erie. The U.S. Coast Guard has reported significant drug seizures, with the Cutter Hamilton recently offloading over 76,000 pounds of cocaine and other substances. Satellite imagery has indicated the presence of the MV Ocean Trader, located southwest of St. Kitts, which can support around 200 personnel and launch small boats while blending in with commercial shipping. A Trident II (D5) ballistic missile test conducted on September 21 served as a strategic deterrent amid the increase in operations, reports Dryad Global.
Commercial and Navigation Impacts
Meanwhile, ongoing instability in Haiti has prompted Royal Caribbean to suspend its calls to Labadee until spring 2026. Additionally, brief GPS jamming incidents near Venezuelan waters on September 6-7 highlight the ongoing risks to positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems.
East Asia: Super Typhoon Ragasa Disrupts Ports
With a central pressure of around 910 hPa and maximum winds reaching 62 m/s, the typhoon has affected ports across Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. As of September 22, several ports, including Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Yuedong, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhanjiang, have closed, with Fangchenggang scheduled to shut down on September 23. Forecasts suggest that the storm will maintain its intensity through September 23, leading to delays that could last until September 26, with a gradual return to normal operations expected after September 25 if conditions improve.
For operators, it’s important to prepare for rollovers and bunching on both mainliner and feeder networks. Engage with terminals early regarding berth availability and yard capacity. Adjust the sequencing of export ERDs and VGM cut-offs, and make sure to inform cargo owners about any buffer-day requirements and the possibility of force-majeure declarations.
South China Sea: Scarborough Shoal Tensions
On September 16, two vessels from the China Coast Guard aimed water cannons at the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang while it was on a resupply mission for the Philippines. This aggressive act caused damage to the cabin, bridge, and electrical systems of the ship, and unfortunately, one crew member was injured in the process. In response, Manila lodged a diplomatic protest on September 18, firmly rejecting Beijing’s claims about the presence of vessels near what they call Huangyan Dao. This incident comes on the heels of China’s announcement on September 10, designating the atoll as a nature reserve.
For those operating in the area, it’s crucial to keep a safe distance from contested features, stay updated on notices from the Philippine Coast Guard and China Coast Guard, and monitor VHF channels. Bridge teams should be ready for quick updates on rules of engagement and rapid replenishment at sea as they navigate the approaches to Luzon and the West Philippine Sea.
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Source: Dryad Global
