Almost all container vessels had evacuated themselves from Busan, South Korea ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Hinnamnor this morning (6 September).
Port operations in Busan began winding down on 2 September in preparation for the typhoon, the strongest so far in 2022.
Even before the typhoon made landfall at 6 am local time today, Busan began experiencing strong winds between 6 pm and midnight on 5 September. While the major Chinese ports of Shanghai and Ningbo also received heavy rain and rains, Busan was hit the hardest.
Around 100 to 300 mm of rain fell in Busan today, with maximum wind speeds of 40 to 60 miles per second in coastal areas, while waves were at least 3 metres high.
Vessel-tracking data showed only one container ship, the 1,713 TEU Capitaine Tupaia, in Busan port. However, the 2010-built vessel, which was sold to Neptune Pacific Direct Line for US$33 million in July, appears to be awaiting handover to its new owner.
After two and a half hours, Typhoon Hinnamnor exited through nearby Ulsan port.
Busan Port Authority President Kang Jun-seok visited both Busan New Port and Busan North Port to inspect the resulting damage.
There was minimal damage, except for some piers where fences collapsed. Normal port operations resumed at 6 pm local time.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
