European ports face congestion from Alliance changes

Ports across Europe are grappling with severe congestion, as a combination of shifting shipping alliances, labour strikes, and overburdened terminals disrupts trade flows.

Delays are escalating at key gateways in both Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, leaving shippers and logistics providers struggling to manage unpredictable transit times and rising costs.

The ongoing restructuring of major shipping alliances is compounding the crisis, with vessel schedules overlapping and ports struggling to accommodate the increased traffic and once a vessel is delayed it often cannot recover lost time, pushing schedules back further and disrupting supply chains as it arrives at subsequent ports late.

Shipping alliance shake-ups and labour disputes create operational chaos
The restructuring of global shipping alliances is a major contributor to the worsening congestion. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s new Gemini Cooperation service is being phased in, while MSC is moving away from the 2M Alliance to operate independently. Meanwhile, the Premier Alliance is adjusting to the departure of Hapag-Lloyd, creating widespread disruption as carriers realign their routes and schedules.

At Antwerp, Maersk has reported significant congestion, with overlapping vessel services leading to critical delays. The transition period between old and new service rotations is creating uncertainty for shippers, who are struggling to plan cargo movements effectively amid fluctuating schedules and extended berth wait times.

Labour disputes are intensifying port congestion, particularly in France and Germany. Dockworkers at Le Havre had planned multiple strikes throughout March, though some actions were suspended following progress in negotiations. However, the threat of further disruptions in April remains, adding to the uncertainty.

In Hamburg, a strike by boat pilots has significantly increased vessel wait times, with some ships delayed by up to three days. Industrial action across multiple ports is contributing to widespread instability, making it difficult to maintain efficient cargo flows.

Terminal overcrowding and inland transport bottlenecks
Container yards at major European ports are nearing full capacity, exacerbating congestion. Terminals in Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, and Le Havre are struggling to cope with the influx of cargo, leading to increased vessel turnaround times. In response, some ports have implemented restrictions on container movements.

Hamburg’s HHLA terminals have temporarily limited export container deliveries, while Rotterdam’s ECT Euromax terminal will stop accepting empty containers by road from 23 March to ease congestion. Inland transport networks are also under pressure, with barge wait times reaching 75 hours in Antwerp and 72 hours in Rotterdam. Meanwhile, falling water levels on the Rhine River are reducing barge capacity, forcing some shipments onto road and rail at higher costs.

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