**Europe**: European ports from Antwerp to Le Havre are experiencing increased congestion due to redirected US-bound goods and shifting trade alliances, prompting operational adjustments and raising concerns about future supply chain bottlenecks amid global trade tensions.
European Ports Under Pressure: Navigating the Surge in Congestion
European ports along the Hamburg-Le Havre range are currently grappling with intensified congestion, a situation exacerbated by redirected US-bound goods and ongoing complexities in the global shipping landscape. Analysts have raised concerns that the increasing strain could lead to a broader crisis, particularly as goods initially destined for the US find alternative routes through key European ports.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has reported longer container dwell times and mounting pressures on terminal capacity, with approximately 11 vessels currently awaiting entry at sea and 36 being processed in-port. While these numbers remain within acceptable limits according to port authorities, the situation highlights the challenges facing the region. Notably, Antwerp recorded a commendable 4.5% year-on-year increase in container throughput in the first quarter of 2025, attributed to the adaptability of its terminal operators in responding to evolving market conditions.
In nearby Rotterdam, similar congestion issues are manifesting, albeit with some glimmers of hope. The port authorities noted that while ten vessels were waiting offshore and 43 were being handled in port, the overall operational response was proactive. The spokesperson remarked on Rotterdam’s agility in addressing these market challenges, underlining their commitment to maintaining reliable logistics chains even amid geopolitical uncertainties, such as potential import tariffs from the US.
Shipping companies have been adjusting their schedules in response to these issues. For instance, CMA CGM has temporarily omitted Rotterdam from its NEMO service due to ongoing congestion, while Maersk has shifted its UK calls to the Port of Felixstowe from DP World London Gateway. Such moves reflect the acute impact of rising congestion on operational decisions, forcing companies to adapt rapidly to changing conditions in order to minimise disruption.
Despite these challenges, both Antwerp and Rotterdam have managed to maintain throughput levels better than expected, suggesting resilience amid adversity. The Port of Rotterdam reported improvements in schedule reliability for Asia-Europe services, with reduced delays and shorter vessel waiting times in April. This trend bodes well for the port’s capacity to handle future cargo flows efficiently, even as trade patterns fluctuate.
Further south, the French ports of Le Havre and Marseille-Fos have also faced competitive pressures as major shipping lines like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced the cessation of direct services to these ports starting in early 2025. This decision, driven by a desire to optimise operations within the Gemini Cooperation alliance, threatens to diminish the competitiveness of French ports. However, despite these setbacks, ongoing support from other shipping alliances and significant investments by MSC in Le Havre bring a sense of cautious optimism for the future.
On an operational level, Haropa, the largest port operator in France, has reported an uptick of 2.4% in maritime trade volume during 2024, largely propelled by a resurgence in container shipments. Nevertheless, uncertainties remain as trade dynamics shift, particularly in light of potential US tariffs and ongoing tensions with China, emphasizing the need for flexibility among port operators to adapt to the unpredictable nature of global trade.
Industry observers, including Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, caution that while sporadic improvements in throughput are promising, the overall volatility places the ports at risk of severe congestion if redirected US-bound goods continue to flood the European market. With ongoing trade discussions between the US and China now under consideration, there lies a sliver of hope that resolutions to such tensions could alleviate some of the pressures currently faced by these critical gateway ports.
Overall, the current state of European ports underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts amongst stakeholders to fortify logistics networks and ensure efficient freight movement during these challenging times. As regional ports continue to navigate the complexities brought forth by shifting trade patterns and external pressures, their ability to adapt will be key in sustaining their positions as crucial nodes in the global supply chain.
Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [[1]](https://www.projectcargojournal.com/ports-and-terminals/2025/05/08/redirected-us-bound-goods-put-european-ports-under-pressure/), [[6]](https://www.xeneta.com/insights/redirected-us-bound-goods-put-european-ports-under-pressure)
- Paragraph 2 – [[1]](https://www.projectcargojournal.com/ports-and-terminals/2025/05/08/redirected-us-bound-goods-put-european-ports-under-pressure/), [[5]](https://www.portofantwerp.com/en/news/port-antwerp-bruges-reports-increased-container-throughput-in-q1-2025)
- Paragraph 3 – [[1]](https://www.projectcargojournal.com/ports-and-terminals/2025/05/08/redirected-us-bound-goods-put-european-ports-under-pressure/), [[4]](https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases/port-of-rotterdam-responds-to-increased-congestion)
- Paragraph 4 – [[1]](https://www.projectcargojournal.com/ports-and-terminals/2025/05/08/redirected-us-bound-goods-put-european-ports-under-pressure/), [[4]](https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases/port-of-rotterdam-responds-to-increased-congestion)
- Paragraph 5 – [[2]](https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2024/09/20/l-attractivite-des-grands-ports-francais-de-nouveau-en-question_6325003_3234.html), [[3]](https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/french-port-group-haropa-waits-tariffs-after-brisk-2024-2025-01-29/)
- Paragraph 6 – [[3]](https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/french-port-group-haropa-waits-tariffs-after-brisk-2024-2025-01-29/)
- Paragraph 7 – [[2]](https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2024/09/20/l-attractivite-des-grands-ports-francais-de-nouveau-en-question_6325003_3234.html), [[6]](https://www.xeneta.com/insights/redirected-us-bound-goods-put-european-ports-under-pressure)
- Paragraph 8 – [[1]](https://www.projectcargojournal.com/ports-and-terminals/2025/05/08/redirected-us-bound-goods-put-european-ports-under-pressure/)
Source: Noah Wire Services
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