UK & NORTHERN EUROPE BRACE FOR DANGEROUS WINTER STORM
Ports and ocean carriers are bracing for significant schedule disruptions across Northern Europe as extreme weather sweeps through the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay. UK ports, already strained by previous storms Éowyn and Herminia, are seeing worsening delays, with conditions expected to deteriorate further as high winds and rough seas impact major European ports.
WIND WARNINGS ISSUED FOR KEY UK, NORTHERN EUROPE PORTS
The extreme weather is moving eastward, with high wind warnings for multiple ports, including Hamburg, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Le Havre, Dunkirk, Felixstowe, and Southampton. This is expected to cause berth closures and restricted vessel movements across the region.
CMA CGM issued an advisory on Wednesday, warning customers that “the passage of several storms from the Atlantic into European waters in recent and upcoming days will see disruptions across the port landscape in North Europe.” The carrier highlighted that high winds and large swells will make crossings in the Bay of Biscay particularly difficult through Friday, January 31, 2025. Likewise, Maersk indicated that vessel movements and port operations would be “severely impacted”, with ripple effects on vessels bound for South Africa, Rotterdam, and London.
POTENTIAL IMPACT TO PORT OPERATIONS
Port authorities across the region have issued high wind warnings, with some areas facing additional operational challenges:
Le Havre – High winds expected January 28-30, followed by a 48-hour strike January 30-31.
Dunkirk – Gusty winds are forecast for January 28-29.
Antwerp & Rotterdam – Strong winds expected January 28-29, which may affect vessel berthing.
Hamburg – Multiple wind warnings in effect from January 28-31.
Felixstowe & Southampton – Wind advisories in place through January 30, with potential operational slowdowns.
While not all warnings will result in full stoppages, the cumulative impact of high winds, and rough seas coupled with ongoing port congestion presents a significant challenge to supply network stability.
CARRIERS: SAFE OPERATIONS A PRIORITY
Ocean carriers continue to monitor conditions closely, prioritizing the safety of their crews. Contingency measures are being implemented where needed to minimize disruptions, though schedule deviations are expected. As the storm system advances, additional disruptions may occur, especially in transatlantic and European trade lanes.
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