TRADLINX

In 2024, port congestion created ripple effects across global trade, disrupting supply chains and delaying shipments at key international hubs. For businesses involved in import-export operations, the stakes remain high: navigating these challenges could mean the difference between on-time deliveries and costly delays in 2025.

The analysis in this article is based on 2024 port congestion data sourced from TRADLINX Ocean Visibility. While comprehensive, the dataset does not represent all shipments and may not fully capture real-world congestion levels. This information provides valuable insights into past trends to help businesses prepare and optimize their logistics strategies for the year ahead.

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Overview of 2024 Port Congestion

In 2024, the global average port congestion index stood at 32.41, with significant variations across different ports and seasons. This figure represents the challenges faced by shipping companies and importers/exporters in managing their supply chains effectively.

Most Congested Ports

The top five most congested ports in 2024 were:

1. Antwerp (56.94)
2. Rotterdam (50.52)
3. Jebel Ali (Dubai) (49.43)
4. Hamburg (49.15)
5. Ningbo (37.52)

Antwerp experienced the highest congestion levels, with a peak of 153.74 in January. This extreme congestion in European ports highlights the need for businesses to plan for potential delays and consider alternative routes when shipping to or from these locations.

Least Congested Ports

The five ports with the lowest average congestion levels were:

1. Laem Chabang (16.27)
2. Hong Kong (19.34)
3. Busan (20.54)
4. Tokyo (22.43)
5. Long Beach (23.24)

Laem Chabang in Thailand emerged as the least congested port, offering a potential alternative for businesses looking to minimize shipping delays in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Regional Analysis

Asia

Asian ports showed varied congestion levels:

• Shanghai, the busiest port in Asia, had an average congestion index of 34.02, with peak congestion in January (42.15) and lowest in May (27.57).
• Ningbo experienced higher congestion than Shanghai, with an average of 37.52 and a peak of 73.33 in February.
• Hong Kong and Busan maintained relatively low congestion levels, making them attractive options for regional shipping.

Europe

European ports faced the highest congestion levels globally:

• Antwerp and Rotterdam consistently showed high congestion throughout the year.
• Hamburg’s congestion peaked at 84.08 in February, indicating potential seasonal challenges.

Middle East

Jebel Ali (Dubai) experienced significant congestion with an average of 49.43, peaking at 79.55 in November. This suggests that businesses should plan for potential delays, especially during the year-end period.

North America

North American ports showed moderate congestion levels:

• Long Beach had an average congestion index of 23.24, with the highest congestion in July (52.99) and lowest in October (6.60).
• New York’s average congestion was 26.38, peaking in November (55.36).

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Seasonal Trends

The data reveals distinct seasonal patterns in port congestion:

• Winter months (December-February) often saw higher congestion levels, particularly in European and Asian ports.
• Summer months showed varied patterns, with some ports experiencing peaks and others seeing reduced congestion.
• The end of the year (November-December) saw increased congestion in several ports, likely due to holiday season shipping demands.

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Implications for Businesses

1. Strategic Planning: Companies should align their shipping schedules with periods of lower congestion to minimize delays and costs.
2. Port Diversification: Consider utilizing less congested ports like Laem Chabang or Busan for Asian shipments to reduce risks associated with delays.
3. Seasonal Adjustments: Plan for potential delays during winter months and the year-end period, especially when shipping through European ports.
4. Buffer Time: Include additional buffer time in logistics planning, particularly for shipments through highly congested ports like Antwerp or Rotterdam.
5. Alternative Transportation: For time-sensitive shipments, consider air freight or multi-modal transportation options during peak congestion periods.

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From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs: Adapting to Port Congestion for 2025

The 2024 port congestion data highlights a critical reality: the global shipping landscape remains volatile as we enter 2025. However, for businesses that plan strategically, these challenges present opportunities to strengthen supply chain resilience and gain a competitive edge.

To adapt effectively in 2025, companies must go beyond reactive measures. Here’s how to take charge:

• Leverage Data: Regularly monitor real-time port congestion data
• Diversify Logistics Partners: Develope relationships with multiple shipping lines and freight forwarders
• Invest in Predictive Analytics: Use technology to forecast congestion patterns and mitigate potential delays.

The message is clear: adapting to port congestion isn’t just about avoiding delays—it’s about building resilience for the future. By taking proactive steps today, your business can ensure smoother operations, reduced costs, and stronger customer satisfaction tomorrow.

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[Appendix.] 2024 Port Congestion Data by TRADLINX Ocean Visibility

Port	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
SHANGHAI	42.15	40.49	32.67	32.53	27.57	34.51	33.76	28.64	38.19	30.29	36.07	31.38
NINGBO	46.4	73.33	39.58	29.22	38.7	21.66	31.46	28.2	49.25	18.87	52.47	21.08
BUSAN	22.39	29.52	15.6	16.03	17.93	27.11	14.78	12.8	22.94	17.39	37.78	12.22
HONG KONG	17.68	23.08	15.12	15.51	18.04	17.36	16.9	17.8	21.91	19.03	28.83	20.76
ANTWERP	153.74	65.25	45.54	33.27	46.95	42.02	43.58	48.73	62.33	48.1	36.57	57.22
ROTTERDAM	54.27	36.29	36.66	43.32	46.93	40.08	54.77	47.07	56.42	71.16	63.16	56.14
HAMBURG	53.99	84.08	42.75	42.21	57.72	24.3	39.66	58.51	41.4	55.79	40.44	48.89
LONG BEACH	30.42	12.44	30.84	18.94	10.06	38.42	52.99	32.45	10.2	6.6	16.38	19.09
NEW YORK	26.21	19.06	28.06	17.61	23.84	18.1	24.88	19.34	22.24	18.58	55.36	43.33
JEBEL ALI (DUBAI)	52.31	76.8	57.85	67.84	62.89	24.83	27.32	23.22	35.6	44.02	79.55	40.93
PORT KLANG	31.2	21.56	21.5	21.84	25.06	24.76	18.09	21.84	19.34	14.64	26.79	47.81
LAEM CHABANG	20	15.57	13.16	12.06	12.99	19.67	18.81	15.07	15.68	16.51	15.57	20.1
TOKYO	34.88	29.61	22.37	14.85	20.93	20.6	18.71	26.2	20.22	17.51	25.97	17.35
SYDNEY	86.55	11.36	5.79	30.2	34.18	18.87	37.09	3.98	24.58	10.96	9.61	7.62

Stay ahead of disruptions with TRADLINX’s Ocean Visibility, your tool for real-time insights and proactive logistics management. Try it free or book a free consultation today and transform your logistics operations.