London Gateway Port Disruption: What You Need to Know
London Gateway Port is currently experiencing ongoing disruption following a series of operational setbacks in recent weeks.
The situation has been triggered by a combination of IT and power failures, equipment shortages, and rail network incidents, all of which have significantly reduced the port’s capacity and performance.
A pair of outages late last month severely affected terminal systems and crane operations, while equipment availability was further strained on 26 June when only half of the port’s module cranes were functional. Vessel berthing also reached maximum capacity, adding pressure to an already congested yard.
Rail services have faced particular disruption. A rail shunter incident on 30 June caused infrastructure damage that suspended all rail movements until repairs were completed on 1 July.
While operations have since resumed, the backlog continues to mount, with over 500 containers reportedly missing their scheduled departures. The effects of these setbacks are still being felt across the port and inland networks.
Impact on Hauliers and Container Collection
Hauliers collecting from London Gateway are reporting severe disruption:
- Queuing Delays: “Operation Stack” is being implemented on most mornings, with vehicles held outside the port for over an hour before entry.
- Extended Wait Times: Hauliers are experiencing delays of up to five hours on the quay, resulting in missed follow-up jobs and reduced fleet efficiency.
These delays are not isolated and are already having knock-on effects on container availability, onward delivery planning, and costs.
What This Means for Customers
We are working closely with our haulier partners to manage the situation, but customers should be aware of the following potential impacts:
- Late Deliveries: Delivery times may be impacted. Customers are encouraged to allow more flexibility at receiving sites.
- Wasted Journey Charges: If a container cannot be delivered as scheduled and must be rebooked, a wasted journey fee may apply.
- London Gateway Surcharges: Some hauliers are introducing surcharges to offset the financial strain caused by long delays at the port.
- Port Waiting Time Charges: Where waiting times exceed agreed thresholds, additional charges per hour may be applied by hauliers.
How Logicall Is Responding
Logicall is actively working with our network of merchant hauliers to mitigate disruption, prioritise urgent cargo, and minimise additional costs. Our ocean freight team is monitoring the situation in real-time and will contact affected customers directly to manage bookings and delivery timelines.
While challenges at London Gateway may persist for several weeks as the port clears its backlog, we remain committed to transparent communication and proactive problem-solving.
If you have urgent queries or require assistance, please contact us for assistance.