European ports face delays as Asia congestion disrupts supply chains

European ports, including key UK hubs, are experiencing significant congestion, driven by delays at major Asian ports and a surge in vessel arrivals ahead of the pre-Lunar New Year rush. This disruption, coupled with ongoing capacity challenges and high yard occupancy, is straining schedules across critical trade routes.

Congestion in Asia, particularly at ports like Shanghai, Ningbo, and Tokyo, has caused knock-on delays for European ports. Ships arriving late from Asia have resulted in increased berthing waits at major hubs such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Southampton, where vessels face delays of up to four days. Heavy yard occupancy at these ports, exacerbated by the arrival of delayed mainline vessels, is adding to the disruption.

Mediterranean ports, including Valencia, Barcelona, and Piraeus, are also affected, with waiting times increasing as congestion builds. Analysts warn that the ripple effects of vessel bunching in Asia and North America are contributing to the worsening situation across Europe.

In the UK, Southampton is particularly impacted, reporting delays linked to high yard occupancy and vessel backlogs. Berthing schedules remain tight as ports contend with the late arrival of ships from congested Asian origins. This disruption threatens to escalate further as peak-season cargo volumes surge, putting additional pressure on UK supply chains.

The pre-Lunar New Year cargo rush is a key driver of the current delays, with European and North American shippers rushing to secure imports before Chinese factory activity slows for the holiday period. Meanwhile, poor weather across Asia has compounded delays, with ships arriving off-schedule into European ports, adding to congestion.

Logistics providers warn that delays at UK and European ports are likely to persist into the coming weeks, as disruptions ripple across global supply chains. Carriers are advising shippers to anticipate longer lead times and potential service adjustments as ports struggle to clear backlogs.

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