European ports are facing severe congestion problems as shipping unions adjust their shipping services, coupled with strikes, bad weather and container saturation.
Ports in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean are experiencing severe bottlenecks, with shipping companies, dock operators and freight carriers reporting delays. These problems are further exacerbated by service adjustments in major shipping alliances, with old and new services alternating with new services, severely impacting shipping times.
Maersk stated in its latest European announcement,AntwerpAll of the docks were congested due to the conversion of shipping services, and delays were exacerbated by late arrival problems at the previous port.
Hapag-Lloyd is launching a newGemini CooperationThe service network is expected to be fully operational in the middle of the year. At the same time,Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)Moving from a 2M alliance with Marsky to independent operations, andPremier AllianceAlso adapting to Herbrot's exit. Senior shipping companies have reminded customers that port operations will continue to face unstable challenges until the new service completes at least two full operational cycles from Asia to Europe.
In addition to union adjustment impacts, dockworker strikes and bad weather have further slowed ship operations. Not inBremerhaven, several services were delayed due to bad weather. inHamburg, the strike of the seafarers resulted in an average demand for shipsWaiting for three days It is possible to dock in the port. And in LeHavre, the strike brought the ship to averageStandby time up to 5.7 days。
French Trade Unions Launched in MarchEight-four hour strikes, and plan on 18 March to 20A three-day full-scale strike has left French container docks virtually paralysed. These actions are correctRotterdamProduces an overflow effect, increasing the average waiting time for berths in the port to5.6 days。
pursuantSeaExplorer by Kuehne+Nagel Platform Data,Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp and Le HavreOperations are severely hampered, the container space is full, and the berths are almost all occupied.
In Hamburg,HHLA Pier OperatorsRestrictions have been imposed on container imports and exports will be managed on a case-by-ship basis. AND IN ROTTERDAMECT Euromax Marina，HutchisonPorts The announcement will be from23 MarchWe will suspend acceptance of empty containers delivered by land to prevent further deterioration of the operating environment.
Inland transport is also severely affected. inAntwerp and Rotterdam, the average waiting time for loading and unloading of inland barges reaches75 hoursund 72 hours。 In addition, the Rhine River (RhineRiver) water level restricts the loading of inland containers, resulting in an extra charge per containerAbout €50 ($54)Surcharges will continue to rise as summer water levels are expected to drop further.
The problem of port congestion is not limited to Northern Europe. In the Mediterranean, South Korean shipping companiesHMM The report says,PiraeusThe average waiting time for ships at the port is 4.4 daysFeedervessels can wait a long time or even longer6 days。 ItalianGenovaund LaspeziaAlso faced with challenges, the average wait time is about 4 days。
Congestion issues at European ports are expected to persist for months, with adjustments to shipping union services still in progress, coupled with ongoing labor disputes. As major ports have maximised transport capacity, supply chain stakeholders should be prepared for long delays and logistical challenges.
For businesses that rely on the European trade route, adjusting supply chain strategies and contingency planning ahead of time will be key to ensuring business stability.
Data Source:https://www.joc.com/article/new-alliance-vessel-plans-add-to-ongoing-port-congestion-in-europe-5963964
