The average waiting time for container ships at the Port of Antwerp has increased from 32 to 44 hours in the past two months, De Tijd reported on Wednesday, quoting data from maritime research firm Drewry.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges confirms the congestion, citing several causes while stressing that the issue is not new.
Similar bottlenecks are appearing in several European ports, although Antwerp stands out compared to competitors like Rotterdam.
For years, Flanders has been considering increasing container capacity at Antwerp, with financial support from the European Union, to ease traffic flows, but this project is not expected to start until the end of the decade.
Several factors contribute to extended waiting times: fluctuating import tariffs, low water levels in the Rhine and the Panama Canal, Houthi attacks in Yemen forcing ships to reroute around South Africa, and various strikes in Europe.
Changes in routes and alliances between major companies also play a role, affecting the balance of power between shipping companies and container terminals.
Despite these challenges, Antwerp-Bruges Port emphasises that there is no chaos, but rather “increased and ongoing pressure and congestion,” in the words of a spokesperson.
“This results in short-term operational inefficiencies, but our systems continue to function within safety margins,” the spokesperson added.
Long-term structural pressure is a greater concern. “If safety margins are depleted and congestion persists, more serious problems could arise," the port notes. "Therefore, continued investment in additional container capacity and robust infrastructure is essential.”
