Adverse weather is affecting container transport arrangements at Felixstowe and London Gateway, while Portsmouth International Port has warned of potential disruption as Storm Austen brings strong winds and rain.
Businesses with shipments moving through affected ports should allow flexibility around transport arrangements and check the latest port and carrier instructions before dispatching vehicles.
Felixstowe Restricts Container Bookings
In a notice updated at 14:00 on Thursday 22 October, the Port of Felixstowe warned that wind speeds were forecast to exceed safe working limits during parts of Friday and into Saturday morning.
The port advised that bookings between 03:00 and 07:59 on Friday 23 October would be removed. Hauliers were strongly advised against travelling during the affected morning period, with vehicles arriving at the Police Gates potentially refused entry.
Booking availability for other periods on Friday was also restricted in anticipation of further weather-related disruption.
A decision on whether bookings for Friday evening into Saturday morning would also be removed was due on Friday morning, subject to updated forecasts. The notice supplied does not confirm the outcome of that decision.
MSC Suspends Empty Returns at London Gateway
MSC UK separately advised that empty MSC container returns at London Gateway would be suspended from 12:00 noon on Friday 23 October due to adverse weather.
The carrier said it would use its local and national network of depots and ports to minimise the potential impact. Alternative return options are available through the MSC Intermodal portal.
No reopening time was provided in the advisory.
This restriction specifically concerns empty MSC containers. It does not confirm a full closure of London Gateway or equivalent restrictions for other shipping lines.
Portsmouth Warns of Potential Disruption
Portsmouth International Port has also published a Storm Austen advisory, warning of very strong winds and rain along the south coast, with severe weather warnings in force from 01:00 on Friday 23 October.
The port advises passengers to check with their ferry operator before arriving. This is a warning of potential disruption rather than confirmation of a port closure or a suspension of freight operations.
What This Means for Shipments
At Felixstowe and London Gateway, the announced restrictions could affect container collections and empty returns, with possible knock-on delays to onward deliveries.
Where movements need to be rescheduled or empty containers redirected, transport arrangements may require adjustment. Hauliers should confirm booking status, container acceptance and the latest operating instructions before travelling.
Customers returning other shipping lines’ empty containers at London Gateway should check arrangements with the relevant carrier. Those using ferry services through Portsmouth should confirm their sailing status with their operator.
Planning Around the Weather
Restrictions may change as forecasts develop and operating conditions improve. Felixstowe said it would work to minimise delays and restore booking availability as soon as conditions allowed, while MSC advised that customers would receive further updates.
Businesses with time-sensitive movements should discuss arrangements with their freight forwarder and allow additional flexibility where possible. For advice on an affected shipment, contact your usual Beckchoice representative or visit our contact page.
This article reflects the notices available during preparation and does not confirm live port status. Weather conditions, sailing schedules and container acceptance arrangements remain subject to change.