No Relief in Sight for Congestion Issues at North Europe’s Container Ports

Shipping conditions across Northern Europe continue to deteriorate as ports such as Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Bremerhaven operate at or beyond capacity. Recent industry data shows terminal yard utilisation exceeding 75%—with Antwerp near 96% and reefer surge at 112%—well over congestion thresholds.

Asia North Europe route showed schedule reliability improving to 66.8% in May, up from April, though port omissions persisted at 7%—a modest drop from earlier peaks near 13%. Despite this slight uptick, carriers are adapting by rerouting service rotations and skipping congested ports altogether.

Labor shortages and disruptions—including rail service shutdowns in Hamburg early July—are exacerbating delays, expected to stretch well into the peak season, with no sign of a turnaround before August at the earliest. Shift in alliance realignments (e.g. Gemini, Ocean, Premier) and low Rhine water levels are adding further strain to hinterland flows.