Red Sea crisis and pandemic fallout escalate vessel bunching at world ports

Posted on October 28, 2024   |  

"Vessel bunching" occurs when the number of sailings exceeds scheduled services.

Operators noted low vessel bunching before the pandemic, but it rose significantly during COVID-19.

By late 2023, conditions mostly returned to normal.

The Red Sea crisis in 2024 caused vessel bunching to rise again, approaching previous highs.

This situation increases the risk of port congestion and affects truck, rail, and barge operations.

Vessel bunching indicates pressure on ports and helps predict congestion issues.