Northern European Port Congestion Worsens, Global Shipping Faces Ripple Effects

Port congestion across major northern European container terminals is intensifying and is expected to persist through July, as a mix of operational hurdles and global trade shifts fuels mounting backlogs. According to Bloomberg, vital gateways including Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven are experiencing vessel delays ranging from several days to over two weeks.

The congestion is being fueled by several overlapping factors: recent industrial action, high yard utilisation, and low water levels on the Rhine River that have curtailed barge capacity.

In Antwerp, the nationwide strike on 20 May triggered severe disruption, with the port authority confirming ongoing scheduling challenges. The port authorities stated that they are adjusting the vessel schedule based on the available chain capacity. Because of high demand, there is currently a shortage of sea and river pilots. Some vessels still lack confirmed embarkation or disembarkation times, as the entire logistics chain works to restore normal operations.

In response, shipping lines are rerouting vessels, imposing congestion surcharges, and tightening restrictions on empty container returns to manage yard space more efficiently. Compounding the situation is an earlier-than-usual peak season for transpacific trade, driven by a temporary pause in US–China tariffs. Shippers are fast-tracking cargo movement ahead of the July deadline, placing additional strain on port operations globally.

Congestion isn’t limited to Europe—similar scenes are playing out at major ports in China and the US, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Los Angeles, and New York, where vessel queues are growing. Industry analysts caution that extended disruptions in Europe could create a ripple effect across global supply chains, increasing shipping rates and delaying cargo bound for Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

To mitigate the impact, ports are enacting emergency measures like modifying berth priority systems and reducing export delivery windows. While necessary, these actions are further contributing to longer transit times and operational delays. With no immediate resolution in sight, logistics planners are advised to prepare for continued volatility in schedules and costs throughout the peak summer season.