Global Port Congestion Continues Despite Recent Improvement

As the logistics industry pushes toward 2026, port congestion continues to pose a major obstacle for global supply chains, even though some ports have shown short-term signs of improvement.

Although waiting times at certain ports have dipped recently, these reductions appear tied more to softer market demand than genuine, lasting upgrades in port performance. Overall, disruption remains widespread and unpredictable.

Throughout the year, numerous ports have dealt with ongoing queues of arriving vessels, and similar scenarios could easily re-emerge in 2026 - especially if ocean carriers revert to the Suez Canal.

Major hubs such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Singapore, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Antwerp, and Rotterdam have been hit particularly hard, but congestion is far from confined to these high-traffic gateways.

Across the UK, key terminals - including Felixstowe, London Gateway, and Southampton - have also faced extended delays. Operational consistency has been unsettled by a mix of adverse weather and labour actions in multiple regions. Recent strikes in Rotterdam, Portugal, and Mexico have reduced port productivity, while nationwide industrial action in Belgium continues to threaten operations at the Port of Antwerp.

Looking forward, one critical unknown is whether carriers will abandon their current detour around the Cape of Good Hope. A widespread return to the faster Suez Canal route would accelerate transit times, but it could also lead to clusters of vessels arriving simultaneously - adding new pressure to already strained European and Asian ports.

Given these conditions, congestion is likely to remain an ongoing issue next year. Croft Cargo will maintain close oversight of global developments, and our team is available to support any planning or contingency needs you may have.
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