Rough weather keeps bunker operations halted in Zhoushan’s OPL area

Bunker deliveries at Zhoushan’s Tiaozhoumen and Xiazhimen outer anchorages have been suspended since Monday due to rough weather conditions caused by Typhoon Wipha, a source said.

MAP: The projected path of Tropical Storm Dante as of Thursday. PAGASA

Wipha, which was classified as a typhoon on Monday while over open waters, has since been downgraded to a tropical storm and made its second landfall in northern Vietnam after impacting China and the Philippines.

Bunkering operations at Zhoushan’s more sheltered Xiushandong anchorage and the inner anchorage at Mazhi are currently proceeding smoothly.

However, operations may be suspended tomorrow due to worsening weather conditions triggered by Tropical Storm Dante.

A low-pressure system located 900 km east of extreme Northern Luzon intensified into Tropical Storm Dante on Wednesday morning. Another low-pressure area near Luzon’s northern tip also developed into Tropical Depression Emong that same morning, according to the Philippines’ meteorological agency PAGASA.

The Philippine Coast Guard issued a travel advisory on Wednesday regarding Tropical Storm Dante, suspending all vessel movements to or through the affected areas, except for those seeking shelter, according to GAC Hot Port News.

Most suppliers expect to fully resume bunkering operations in Zhoushan after 28 July, the source added.

By Tuhin Roy

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online