European Port Congestion Worsens, Limited Alternatives Available

As of mid-May 2025, congestion at European ports, particularly in Bremerhaven, has reached five to six days on average and is worsening. According to Flexport, labour shortages, worsened by recent and upcoming holidays, are exceeding expectations. Low water levels in the Rhine are further limiting barge transport from key hubs like Antwerp and Rotterdam, exacerbating the situation.

Maersk has extended contingency measures through May, including rerouting its AE5 service to Nordic terminals, as productivity at Bremerhaven is expected to normalize by month’s end. Bremerhaven remains a critical transshipment hub in Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s Gemini network.

Jannik Amstutz of Flexport noted that importers in Northern Europe have few viable alternatives. Even ports with less congestion still present delays. Southern options like Mediterranean ports are no longer advantageous due to Red Sea disruptions, which have extended transit times.

Conclusion: The current port congestion in Northern Europe has limited practical workarounds, and delays are expected to persist into the near future.

SOURCE: The Loadstar 21-5-2025