Pressure is building across global container networks as ports in several key regions struggle with rising vessel delays and cargo backlogs. Port congestion is disrupting major trade routes and adding another layer of complexity to already stretched supply chains.

In the Middle East, the impact is especially pronounced. Delays affecting vessels moving out of the Strait of Hormuz have created knock-on congestion at ports across the region. Jeddah in Saudi Arabia has become one of the main pressure points, where reports indicate truck queues at Jeddah have reached up to 3 miles long, with some drivers waiting as long as three days to enter the port to collect or return containers.

Elsewhere, an earlier-than-usual Asia peak season has added to congestion across North Asia, Southeast Asia and Northern Europe. Global port congestion is now understood to be at a four-year high, with around 11% of global fleet capacity regularly waiting for berths at the same time.

Several major Asian export gateways are also facing delays, with waiting times of up to three days reported at Shanghai and Singapore.

Northern Europe’s largest container ports remain under growing pressure as delayed vessel arrivals combine with congested terminals and inland transport networks. Hamburg is seeing waits of around three days, Antwerp four days and Zeebrugge six days.

Rotterdam has shorter vessel waiting times, although import and export dwell times remain high. In the UK, Felixstowe and Southampton are both reportedly seeing waits of up to three days.

Unique Forwarding continues to emphasise the importance of making early bookings to help mitigate the impact of the current challenging market conditions on Asian trade lanes.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team.