Port congestion continues to cause delays for arrivals at the Port of Felixstowe. Plus further blank sailings in China are announced, as carriers adjust schedules to manage capacity and align with reduced demand.
While there have been some improvements globally, many ports across key regions continue to face significant pressure due to ongoing congestion challenges. That said, the overall situation shows signs of stabilisation, with conditions holding steady compared to the disruptions seen in previous weeks.
Blank Sailings in China
Following the reopening of offices and factories after Golden Week, carriers have introduced further blank sailings for November, in addition to previous announcements. This strategic move is designed to align capacity with current demand, helping to stabilise freight rates. The quieter-than-usual Q4, driven by retailers placing early orders to avoid delays around the Cape of Good Hope, has led to a reduction in pre-Christmas shipping volumes.
Vessel Delays at Port of Felixstowe
Delays in vessel arrivals from Asia continue to create bottlenecks at European ports, particularly in the UK. The simultaneous arrival of multiple ships, also known as “ship bunching,” is exacerbating congestion at Felixstowe. This has led to unpredictable, and in some cases, extended wait times for berths, affecting the reliability of schedules.
Southeast Asia Congestion
While conditions at major Southeast Asian hubs like Singapore, Tanjung Pelepas, and Yangon have shown signs of improvement, recent typhoon activity has slowed progress. Port congestion in these areas continues to disrupt feeder vessel schedules and shipping rotations, complicating shipping schedules.
Keeping You Informed
The ongoing global supply chain challenges, from extended transit times to port delays, are causing continued uncertainty around arrival times for Asia-Europe shipments. We are closely monitoring the situation and remain committed to providing you with the latest, most reliable updates as soon as we receive them.
If you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, please contact our Customer Service Team at 01376 533039.
