Sea Freight Schedule Reliability Challenges

The Red Sea crisis diversion around the African continent is causing challenges at origin ports, including container shortages, congestion and increasing pressure on vital hub ports in Asia and Europe, resulting in frequent schedule changes.

As previously communicated, shipping lines are facing challenges due to ongoing issues in the Red Sea. With no sign of a resolution, major carriers have adjusted schedules to route via the Cape of Good Hope. This adds two weeks to transit times to Europe and the UK, and extends return journeys to Asia by the same duration. As a result, origin ports are experiencing container shortages, congestion, and pressure on hub ports, leading to frequent schedule changes.

Unscheduled arrivals are causing berthing clashes at multiple ports, with rotation adjustments in Northern Europe. Shipping lines are struggling to maintain schedule integrity and reliability, impacting sea freight schedules and causing delays.

Carriers anticipate Red Sea diversions until at least Q4, with adjustments being made to accommodate this. Efforts are underway to increase long-term capacity and improve transit time reliability. We will continue monitoring the situation to minimise impacts, but delays are expected. Regular updates will be provided to keep you informed.

Should you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, please get in touch with our Customer Service Team on 01376 533039.