LloydsLoadingList reports that Europe has become a 'two-speed' ocean logistics market with continental Europe managing heavy fourth quarter import flows far better than the UK.
The two-speed analysis is according to Christoph Baumeister, Trade Manager Far East-Europe, at Flexport. He said across Europe, volumes had increased throughout Q3 and into the fourth quarter, prompting carriers to add additional loaders.
Most of northern continental Europe is handling the unseasonal demand “pretty well” with port terminals and depots operating “smoothly” and not suffering from significant congestion, infrastructure issues or equipment shortages, Baumeister noted.
By contrast, container terminals in the UK are struggling to cope even before anticipated ‘Brexit’ disruption (see Felixstowe story) adds to the pressure to the country's freight flows at the turn of the year.
Speaking at a Flexport webinar yesterday, Baumeister said the UK’s three major gateways - Hutchison-operated Felixstowe and DP World’s Southampton and London Gateway facilities - were all currently congested.
For more commentary of the global container sector click here.
