Singapore port congestion causing major disruptions

Singapore, one of the world's most significant maritime hubs, is currently facing severe port congestion, further worsening the existing shortage of ships and containers. Data from maritime intelligence firms indicate that containerships now have to wait up to seven days to berth in Singapore, with recent queues involving up to 450,000 TEUs.

Despite being one of the most advanced ports globally, Singapore's infrastructure and resources are being stretched to their limits due to an unprecedented increase in cargo volumes. This surge in shipping activity, coupled with port diversions resulting from the Red Sea Crisis, has overwhelmed the port's capacity. The severe congestion has forced some carriers to omit their planned Singapore port calls, which will exacerbate the problem at downstream ports that will have to handle additional volumes. These delays have also led to vessel bunching, causing spillover congestion and schedule disruptions at other ports.

As these pressures grow, there is also a sudden increase in shipping costs. Several carriers have warned that prices are returning to pandemic levels as this new wave of port congestion ripples through various market segments.