Port congestion across Europe continues to worsen, with Bremerhaven facing severe labor shortages and few alternatives for shippers. Forwarders report average wait times of five to six days, depending on the destination. 

Maersk has extended its contingency plan through the end of May, citing a sharper-than-expected drop in available labor during recent holidays such as Easter and Ascension Day. Additional workforce shortages are antificpated as more holidays approach.

Inland transport is also under pressure. Low rainfall on the Rhine River is disrupting barge tarffic, worsening congestion at key hubs like Antwerp and Rotterdam. These disruptions are forcing shippers to rely more heavily on truck and rail, which are already stretched.

Despite efforts to manage delays, European importers have limited options. Previously, some importers rerouted cargo through Mediterranean ports to avoid congestion in Northern Europe. However, that is no longer a viable option. Due to the Red Sea crisis, those routes take longer and cost more – especially when goods must be trucked inland to countries like Austria, Germany, or Switzerland.

Source: The Loadstar