Pearl River Delta ferries suspended as Ragasa nears

Published on Sep 23, 2025, 8:08 am CDT

6 min read

Ferry networks across the Pearl River Delta are shutting down as Super Typhoon Ragasa moves toward the Guangdong coast. With Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai under escalating storm signals, operators are halting cross-estuary sailings and authorities have warned of pilotage suspensions that can pause cargo and cruise movements. Travelers should verify terminal hours and sailing status for Hong Kong, Macao, Shekou, and Zhuhai before heading out, and monitor airline and port advisories for short-notice changes. For wider regional impacts, see Super Typhoon Ragasa slams Luzon, upends regional travel.

Key Points

Why it matters: Pearl River Delta ferries are suspended, and marine pilotage is being halted as Ragasa approaches.
Travel impact: Expect closed ticket halls, canceled sailings, and delayed or diverted cruise and cargo berthings.
What's next: Higher storm signals overnight could prolong suspensions and slow the restart through midweek.
TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet suspend when Signal No. 8 is hoisted in Hong Kong or Macao.
Hong Kong Pilots Association has notified a pilotage suspension, restricting ship movements.

Snapshot

Hong Kong hoisted Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 at 220 p.m. on September 23, triggering widespread transport curbs. The Marine Department reminded masters to secure vessels, and the Hong Kong Pilots Association announced pilotage suspension from 830 a.m. on September 23, limiting arrivals and departures until conditions improve. In Macao, authorities signaled an orange storm-surge warning and flagged possible escalation to Signal No. 9 and No. 10 late September 23 into September 24. Cotai Water Jet and TurboJET state that all sailings are suspended under Signal No. 8, with Cotai posting last-sailing times and a pause "until further notice." Regional media and port agents report port closures and disrupted schedules around the estuary.

Background

The Pearl River Delta is knit together by dense hydrofoil and catamaran links, including Hong Kong, Macao Taipa and Outer Harbour, Shenzhen's Shekou and Fuyong, and Zhuhai's Jiuzhou. Under tropical cyclone protocols, Hong Kong and Macao suspend fast-ferry operations once Signal No. 8 is hoisted, then progressively reopen when signals drop and sea state improves. Hong Kong's Marine Department and the Hong Kong Pilots Association coordinate pilotage, which is required for most deep-sea vessels entering or leaving port; suspension effectively freezes many berthings. During recent T8 events, Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal closures were announced, illustrating how terminal access can be curtailed during high signals. Macao's civil-protection posts also document floodgate installations at Inner Harbour piers during surge warnings. Given Ragasa's track toward Guangdong, travelers should anticipate rolling suspensions that vary by port, with marine safety taking precedence over schedule integrity.

Latest Developments

Pearl River Delta ferries, suspensions and what to expect

TurboJET reiterates that when Signal No. 8 is issued in Hong Kong or Macao, all sailings are suspended, and refund or change windows apply once service resumes. A separate TurboJET advisory pre-emptively paused Hong Kong-Zhuhai and Macao-Shekou routes as the storm advanced. Cotai Water Jet posted a day-of suspension notice on September 23, including last departures and an "until further notice" pause while Signal No. 8 remains in force. In Macao, government information channels highlighted Signal No. 8 in effect, orange storm-surge risk, and likely escalation to higher signals overnight. Travelers should check the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, China Ferry Terminal, Macao Outer Harbour and Taipa, Shekou, and Zhuhai Jiuzhou for specific closure windows, then rebook after signals drop and sea state improves.

Pilotage halted, port ops curtailed across Hong Kong

Hong Kong's Marine Department published a reminder that Signal No. 8 is in force and directed vessels to secure promptly. Separately, the Marine Department relayed the Hong Kong Pilots Association notice that pilotage would be suspended from 8:30 a.m. on September 23, with resumption dependent on weather improvements. Port agents also flagged a temporary closure posture for Hong Kong's port operations under severe weather. Without pilotage, most deep-sea cargo and cruise vessels cannot enter or leave, which can push scheduled calls into holding patterns offshore or safe anchorages down-coast. Once winds ease, pilotage resumes in phases, typically prioritizing tide- and draft-sensitive moves, followed by cruise and feeder windows as terminals clear backlogs.

Macao, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai tighten storm measures

Macao's civil-protection posts recorded flood-protection steps at Inner Harbour piers and maintained orange storm-surge alerts, while official bulletins projected possible Signal No. 9 to No. 10 from late September 23 into early September 24. Local media reported DSAMA guidance that Macao-Shekou and Macao-Fuyong services remain suspended until further notice, and a coordinated decision to close Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge border checkpoints from 3 p.m. on September 23. Shenzhen's Shekou services are paused per operator advisories, and Zhuhai Jiuzhou links are curtailed alongside Hong Kong routes. Expect a staggered restart after signals lower, as terminals assess damage, remove floodgates, and cycle crews back to piers. Recovery could slip into September 24 or later depending on surge and debris.

Analysis

For travelers and cruise passengers, the binding constraints are pilotage and sea state. Even if individual terminals reopen ticket halls, sustained gale conditions and residual swells can keep catamarans tied up, and pilotage backlogs can hold larger vessels offshore. Expect rolling knock-ons for at least one to two operating days after Signal No. 8 drops, especially on Macao-Shekou and Hong Kong-Zhuhai corridors that require favorable wind and visibility for fast-ferry operations. Cruise calls at Hong Kong's Ocean Terminal and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal may be delayed or canceled on short notice if pilotage cannot be provided within a safe window or if berths are reserved for recovery traffic, tugs, and government craft. On the landside, Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Macau International Airport (MFM), and Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) are likely to run reduced schedules during peak winds, compounding missed connections for ferry-to-flight itineraries. When service resumes, recheck vessel assignments, as operators often re-stage craft and rotate crews before ramping up frequency. Practical steps, in order, are to monitor official signal changes, verify your specific terminal's opening hours, and use operator apps for rebooking vouchers the moment a suspension is posted. For cruise passengers, watch your line's app and port agent emails, then plan for later boarding or an at-anchor clearance if winds persist in Victoria Harbour.

Final Thoughts

Until signals fall below No. 8 and seas settle, assume cancellations first, then gradual restarts with lean frequencies. If you are connecting to flights at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) or Macau International Airport (MFM), move to land transport once safe, and build a long buffer. Check terminals in Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai for reopening times and queue control, then rebook ferries only after operators post confirmed sailings. Cruise guests should expect revised all-aboard times or next-day arrivals if pilotage slots remain tight. Through this window, the most reliable framing is simple, Pearl River Delta ferries will move again, but only when the weather allows.