European Ports Face Congestion Surge Amid Labour and Capacity Issues 

Major European ports, including Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Hamburg, faced worsening congestion in mid-July, creating significant backlogs for inland cargo flows. The crisis was caused by a combination of high yard density, localized labor shortages, and ongoing rail backlogs, particularly in Germany. Wait times at major container terminals reached up to three days, severely impacting container handling and inland transport schedules.

The surge in port delays is compounding the schedule disruptions that began with the Red Sea rerouting. As carriers try to maintain schedules, the increased volume and inconsistent vessel arrivals are overwhelming European terminal capacity. This situation highlights a critical chokepoint in the global supply chain, where the efficiency of sea transport is being undermined by limitations in landside infrastructure.

For shippers, this congestion means extended lead times and a greater risk of rolling cargo. Logistics providers are urging clients to plan with substantial buffer time and explore alternative discharge ports or multi-modal options like barge and rail to avoid road-based bottlenecks. The crisis underscores the immediate need for investment in port digitalization and rail capacity across Northern Europe.

Source: https://tfgglobal.com.au/freight-market-update-july-2025/