European Port Congestion to Persist for Years as Terminals Overflow

Industry experts warn that port congestion in Europe has reached overwhelming levels and is unlikely to ease anytime soon. Containers are backed up in major terminals, with disruption expected to persist over the next few years.

Strikes at Antwerp-Bruges and Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam have halted operations, while low water levels on the Rhine continue limiting barge capacity, forcing cargo to already stretched road and rail systems. Terminal yards report utilisation rates above 95%, leading to dwell times climbing to 5–8 days or more.

The impact is widespread; besides Antwerp and Rotterdam, ports like Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Le Havre, and UK hubs such as Felixstowe and Southampton are contending with bottlenecks. As a result, carriers are rerouting vessels, imposing congestion surcharges, and adjusting alliances to manage the backlog.

Analysts describe the crisis as systemic, with root causes ranging from labour issues and weather-related inland disruptions to logistical changes in liner alliances. The confluence of these factors suggests the current congestion may become the new normal for Europe’s container supply chain.