Northern Europe's port congestion set to drag into summer

Congestion across Northern Europe’s major container ports is forecasted to continue well into the summer months, raising concerns across the logistics sector as delays ripple through the supply chain. The situation, already strained by operational bottlenecks, was worsened by last week’s industrial action at the port of Antwerp-Bruges.

Congestion is not limited to Antwerp. Hamburg, Rotterdam, and several UK ports – Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton – are also experiencing severe disruptions. Inland logistics networks have been equally impacted, with rail delays caused by landslides near Hannover forcing extended detours, while low water levels on the Rhine have reduced barge capacity.

As a result, more cargo is being pushed onto already constrained road and rail networks, creating cascading delays throughout the hinterland. The outlook for the months ahead is challenging. Ongoing rail construction in Hamburg scheduled for early July, persisting labour shortages in key terminals, and uncertainties around alliance network changes all point to prolonged instability. Our clients should brace for longer lead times, rising freight rates, and fluctuating capacity availability throughout the summer and possibly into early autumn.

Source: The Loadstar