The rollout of new carrier alliances is creating additional congestion across Europe’s major ports, impacting vessel backlogs, high yard utilization, and inland transport delays. As carriers transition to updated service networks, overlapping vessel rotations and shifting terminal assignments add pressure to strained operations in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Le Havre.
SERVICE TRANSITIONS STRAIN PORT OPERATIONS
As carriers phase in new service rotations, while simultaneously retiring legacy routes, European ports grapple with a surge in vessel traffic, pushing terminal capacity to the limits. The challenge is not just the increase in ships waiting to berth—it’s the added operational complexity of running old and new services in parallel. The transition to new carrier alliances has extended vessel turnaround times, slowed cargo flows, and intensified existing backlogs at strained port operations.
Key congestion issues across European ports:
Rotterdam – Berth waiting times average 5.6 days, with container yards operating at full capacity. Labor actions last month disrupted operations, leaving many ports still clearing backlogs.
Antwerp – Cargo flow disruptions have forced restrictions on empty container returns, limiting available yard space and slowing inland transport options.
Hamburg – Vessel delays average three days or more as terminal operators adjust to workforce slowdowns from previous strikes.
Le Havre – Ongoing labor stoppages continue to extend vessel wait times, compounding congestion across the region.
Bremerhaven – Weather-related disruptions have delayed several services as vessels arriving from sea contend with adverse conditions.
Rotterdam (Hutchison Ports Delta II Terminal) – Now fully operational following a tentative dockworker agreement, but inland cargo backlogs persist, slowing regional cargo movements.
INLAND EUROPEAN TRANSPORT NETWORKS FEEL THE IMPACT
Congestion at European ports is putting added pressure on inland cargo movements. Barge handling delays have reached 75 hours in Antwerp and 72 hours in Rotterdam, leaving supply chain planners with fewer reliable inland transport options. Trucking and rail networks absorb some of the volume, but the additional strain makes it harder to move cargo efficiently through the European supply network. Adding to the pressure, low water levels on the Rhine River restrict barge capacity, forcing carriers to apply surcharges on inland container transport. With fewer alternatives, shippers face longer lead times and higher transport costs.
DISRUPTIONS EXTEND TO GLOBAL TRADE ROUTES
With carriers still fine-tuning service realignments, congestion at European ports may persist through the second quarter, disrupting sailing schedules and extending transit times across Asia-Europe and Transatlantic trade lanes.
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