UK Port Congestion Escalates: What’s Behind the Delays & How to Protect Your Supply Chain
The Port of Southampton and several other key Northern European ports are currently grappling with serious congestion, leading to UK port congestion and shipping delays. Importers and exporters across the UK are already feeling the impact, from longer lead times to rising shipping costs. But what’s driving this disruption, and what can your business do to stay ahead?
In this article, we break down the root causes of the congestion, its implications for UK trade, and what supply chain managers can do to mitigate risk..
What’s Causing the Congestion at UK Ports?
1. Overflow From European Ports
Ports across mainland Europe, particularly Rotterdam and Antwerp, are experiencing operational disruptions, including strikes and staffing shortages. Many vessels are being rerouted to UK ports like Southampton, Felixstowe, and London Gateway to avoid delays. The result? UK ports are now struggling to absorb the overflow.
2. Labour Disputes and Industrial Action
Ongoing or recently resolved strikes at continental ports continue to create uncertainty. While some labour actions have subsided, the risk of renewed disruption looms, with ripple effects reaching UK shores.
3. Trade Realignments from the USA – China Tensions
As tensions between the USA and China persist, global shipping routes are shifting. Recent spikes in Chinese exports to the USA, due to tariff pauses, have placed extra pressure on transshipment hubs in Europe, many of which feed into UK ports.
4. Infrastructure and Yard Capacity Issues
High yard utilisation rates (above 90% in some terminals) are slowing down container handling. The influx of diverted cargo has overwhelmed some port facilities, reducing turnaround times and impacting scheduling for hauliers and forwarders alike.
How Does This Impact Your Supply Chain?
- Longer Transit Times
Vessels may queue for days to unload, delaying container deliveries across the UK and into Europe. That impacts everything from warehouse scheduling to final-mile distribution.
- Higher Costs
Delays mean increased demurrage and detention fees. Alternative routings and expedited shipping options may also come at a premium
- Inventory Risk
If your goods are time-sensitive, specially retail or seasonal items, congestion-related delays could result in missed sales windows or overstocking later.
What Can You Do to Stay Ahead?
1. Stay Proactive with Future Forwarding
Talk to us as your Logistics provider regularly. Ensure you have visibility on vessel ETAs, congestion updates, and inland transport availability.
2. Consider Alternative Routes
If feasible, use less congested ports like Teesport or Liverpool, or explore rail freight solutions through the Channel Tunnel or Eurohub routes.
3. Review Inventory Strategies
Maintain safety stock of critical products where possible. Consider increasing buffer times for your most important shipments.
4. Budget for Flexibility
Anticipate cost increases in Q2 and Q3. Build in flexibility for potential surcharges or re-routing expenses in your shipping budget.
Disruption Will Continue — But Preparation Pays Off
With no clear resolution in sight for labour disputes and global trade imbalances, congestion at UK ports is expected to continue into the summer. Businesses that plan ahead, diversify their logistics strategies, and stay informed will be best placed to avoid costly delays.
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Our team can help reroute your cargo, manage customs efficiently, and keep your business moving, even in challenging times.
Published: May 22, 2025