Advanced security initiatives will impact freight handling and movements in the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Nanjing area and along the Yangtze River ahead of the upcoming G20 summit in Hangzhou in early September.The initiatives include:A ban on shipments of certain types of cargo (chemicals and hazardous commodities) in the Hangzhou areaSuspension of productions at several factoriesIncreased security measures at sea ports, highways and railways as well as airportsImplementation of “real name” identification checks and document procedures for ships’ crews, logistics workers and truck driversCertain security initiatives have already been in place for some time but have not had an adverse impact on shipping activities.Now, state media said, some 3,000 security officers in 300 vessels have been dispatched on the Yangtze River, as a precaution and to enforce various river transportation laws on a 2,465-kilometer stretch from Chongqing to Shanghai. The so-called “2016 Yangtze River Thunder” campaign, which began in July and ends Oct. 20, is affecting domestic vessel and cargo traffic and might in the mid-term impact international ocean shipments as well.We will advise updates on the impact of these initiatives as they become available.