European ports struggle with strikes and alliance vessel changes

Severe congestion is crippling ports across Europe as a combination of new alliance vessel deployments, industrial action, adverse weather conditions, and overcrowded container yards cause extensive delays and operational disruptions.

Ports in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean are grappling with lengthy berth waiting times and significant operating slowdowns. The introduction of new vessel schedules by major alliances is compounding these issues, creating bottlenecks that ripple across the supply chain.

Major alliances reshuffling networks

Changes in vessel deployment are a key factor behind the current congestion. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are rolling out their Gemini Cooperation services, with full implementation expected by mid-2025. At the same time, MSC is shifting from the 2M Alliance to an independent service network, while the Premier Alliance adjusts to operating without Hapag-Lloyd.

This transition period means some services are running concurrently, adding further strain to already congested ports.

In its latest advisory, Maersk highlighted severe congestion at Antwerp’s terminals, largely due to the phased introduction and withdrawal of vessel services. Delays from previous ports are exacerbating the problem, leading to late arrivals and further disruption.

Strike action worsens the situation

Industrial action has been adding to the disruption, particularly in France, where dockworkers in Le Havre planned multiple strikes throughout March. The three-day stoppage planned from 18–20 March, which would have bought container operations to a standstill has been called off, with the unions stating the government was more receptive to talks. However, unions will review the status of their efforts and it is possible they could initiate new industrial actions in April if the government does not respect its commitments to the dockworkers.

Meanwhile, Hamburg has been affected by strike action from boat pilots, leading to an average wait of three days for vessels to secure a berth.

Fully occupied yards and inland disruptions

With container yards at full capacity in several major ports, space constraints are further hampering efficiency. Severe congestion has been reported at Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, and Le Havre, with berths fully occupied and waiting times climbing.

In response, Hamburg terminal operator HHLA has introduced temporary restrictions on export container deliveries at key terminals to manage capacity.

Hutchison Ports has also announced that its ECT Euromax terminal in Rotterdam will stop accepting empty containers delivered by road from 23 March to prevent further operational gridlock.

Meanwhile, inland connections are struggling under the pressure, with average barge handling wait times of 75 hours in Antwerp and 72 hours in Rotterdam.

Adding to the challenges, low water levels in the Rhine River are restricting barge capacity, resulting in surcharges of €50 per container and if water levels continue to drop, these costs would rise further, pushing more cargo onto road and rail networks.

Mediterranean hubs also under pressure

Port congestion is not limited to Northern Europe. In the Mediterranean, Piraeus is experiencing berth wait times of 4.4 days for mainline vessels and six days for feeder services. Meanwhile, Italian ports such as Genoa and La Spezia are also seeing average delays of around four days.

As the European supply chain struggles to cope with these disruptions, shippers and carriers face an uphill battle to manage schedules and maintain service reliability in an increasingly volatile environment.

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