Ongoing vessel delays and extended transit times from the Far East have become a persistent challenge for many UK importers. In recent weeks, the situation has intensified – with port congestion, vessel re-routings, and carrier schedule changes continuing to disrupt supply chains across Europe.
For businesses depending on reliable shipping schedules, understanding the causes behind these delays and how to plan around them is more important than ever.
Why Are Shipments Taking Longer Than Usual?
The causes are complex and interlinked, but several major factors are driving the current disruption:
- Post-Golden Week Schedule Adjustments
China’s Golden Week holiday traditionally brings a temporary slowdown in manufacturing and exports. This year, however, carriers have delayed numerous sailings by two to four weeks as they adjust vessel rotations, consolidate services, and recover from reduced factory output. Lower demand and suppressed freight rates have also prompted carriers to cut capacity to stabilise operations. - Continued Red Sea Diversions
Most shipping lines are still avoiding the Suez Canal due to security concerns in the Red Sea, instead routing vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. This diversion adds an extra 10–14 days to Asia–Europe sailings and reduces overall schedule frequency. - Congestion at Major European Ports
Northern Europe’s main ports, including Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg, have been struggling with heavy congestion. Recent industrial action in Rotterdam, coupled with vessel bunching and yard overcapacity, has created significant backlogs. Some carriers have extended estimated arrival times by several weeks to accommodate slow unloading and berth availability. - Equipment and Weather Challenges
Longer voyage times mean empty containers are taking longer to return to Asia, leading to local shortages in certain regions. Seasonal weather events, including typhoons in South China and the Philippines, have further delayed loading schedules and port operations.
The Impact on Importers
These combined pressures are creating a ripple effect throughout global supply chains:
- Longer lead times for both FCL and LCL cargo.
- Unpredictable ETAs due to vessel bunching, port congestion, and feeder delays.
- Increased freight rates as carriers manage reduced capacity and prioritise certain routes.
- Knock-on effects on delivery schedules, inventory levels, and cash flow planning.
For many importers, the challenge lies not only in extended transit times but in the uncertainty of when cargo will actually arrive.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
Industry forecasts suggest that congestion across major Asian and European ports will take several weeks, if not months, to ease fully. Importers should prepare for continued schedule volatility through late 2025, particularly as weather conditions and peak-season demand add further strain.
While some carriers are gradually improving reliability, recovery across global trade lanes is expected to be slow and uneven. Allowing additional flexibility in supply chain planning, ideally 2–4 weeks where possible, will be key to mitigating the impact.
How Importers Can Minimise Disruption
There are practical steps businesses can take to reduce risk and maintain smoother operations:
- Plan ahead. Secure bookings early and allow for extended lead times.
- Stay informed. Maintain regular contact with your freight forwarder for real-time updates on vessel schedules and port conditions.
- Explore alternatives. Where deadlines are critical, consider multimodal or air freight options.
- Review stock levels. Build buffer inventory where possible to safeguard against unexpected delays.
How Beckchoice Is Supporting Customers
At Beckchoice, our operations team is monitoring developments across key Far East and European trade lanes daily. Through our global network, we’re able to:
- Track vessel schedules and identify emerging congestion hotspots.
- Offer flexible routing options and alternative port solutions.
- Provide clear, proactive communication on any changes to ETAs.
- Support customers with reliable customs clearance and UK delivery coordination once cargo lands.
While these global issues are outside any forwarder’s direct control, we remain focused on keeping customers informed and supported at every stage of the journey.
Looking Ahead
The challenges facing Far East trade lanes are unlikely to disappear overnight, but with early planning, open communication, and reliable partnerships, importers can stay ahead of disruption. Beckchoice will continue to provide regular updates and work closely with customers to keep cargo moving as efficiently as possible.
Need advice or support with your upcoming shipments? Contact our team today.