Port congestion disrupts nearly 50% of Asia-Europe sailings

Posted on June 7, 2024   |  

Nearly half of all Asia-Europe westbound sailings are delayed due to increasing congestion in Asian ports.

Only 6 out of 11 Asia-North Europe sailings left on time, with significant disruptions at Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas.

Ships in Shanghai face delays of up to 5 days, the worst since Covid, with 50 containerships, including Cosco Shipping Mexico and CMA CGM Big Sur, stuck at the port.

Singapore reopened the Keppel Terminal to reduce vessel queues, but 56 box ships are still delayed, causing some operators like CMA CGM to skip Singapore. Delayed vessels in Singapore now total about 380,000 TEU, down from 450,000 TEU last week.

Port Klang has 51 containerships waiting, with southeast and northeast Asian ports being the most congested, representing 29% and 23% of global vessel queues.

Wage negotiations for US East Coast port workers are due in September, prompting shippers to rush goods to avoid potential strikes.

The congestion has caused widespread delays, severely impacting global shipping schedules.