Demand remains high across all shipping lanes, while capacity is constrained due to ongoing blank sailings. Equipment shortages and rising congestion at major ports are contributing to delays on vessels arriving from Asia into Europe and the UK. Disruption at London Gateway is also adding pressure to UK landside operations and delivery schedules.
Service Delays at London Gateway Port
London Gateway Port is currently experiencing significant disruption. Severe delays and poor service levels are affecting landside operations, impacting both collections and deliveries.
Although the rail network is now operational again following the infrastructure damage on 30th June, there is a serious backlog of containers to clear, and yard density remains high. The Vehicle Booking System (VBS) also remains under pressure, with limited availability of slots for container collection, which continues to restrict operations. As a result, extended driver wait times, in some cases exceeding 9 hours, are still being reported for returning empties and collecting laden containers. These issues are affecting all operators using the port.
Other UK ports are currently running as normal, and we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption and mitigate any impact on your shipments.
Tight Space and Equipment Shortages Impact Shipments
Demand remains seasonally high for Asia–UK services, while overall capacity continues to be restricted due to ongoing blank sailings throughout July. Equipment shortages are starting to reappear, particularly in East China, where stock levels of 40ft containers are now low as a result of increased demand. This situation is likely to persist until at least mid to late August.
On the transpacific shipping lane, demand remains elevated but has eased slightly from the recent surge. However, capacity remains insufficient to fully meet current volumes.
Meanwhile, increased container flows are starting to cause rising yard density at key transhipment ports, including Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia) and Singapore, which is contributing to some delays.
As a result of the combined pressure from high demand, limited equipment, and congestion at key ports, some vessels are running several days behind schedule into Europe and the UK.
Delays at Bangladesh Port Due to Congestion
As a result of higher demand and greater container volumes moving through the region, Bangladesh Port is currently experiencing berth congestion and high yard density. These operational constraints are causing delays to vessel berthing and cargo handling, with average delays of 3–4 days now being reported.
We’re monitoring the situation closely and working to minimise the risk of missed connections or terminal space issues.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shipment, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 01376 533039 or email [email protected].
