Port congestion at the Port of Charleston surged by 132% in the second quarter of 2024, from 1.39 days in Q1 to 3.23 days in Q2, according to the latest data from supply chain visibility platform, Beacon.
While Charleston struggles with rising congestion, other major ports exhibit varied performance amidst a backdrop of surging global demand, Beacon reported. Vancouver has shown improvement, reducing congestion times by 1.44 days from Q1, whereas Los Angeles maintained steady levels despite being one of the top five congested ports in North America.
Globally, the report paints a mixed picture. Southeast Asia and Europe are facing rising congestion at the majority of their ports. In Southeast Asia, 64% of analysed ports reported increased congestion, with Manila experiencing the most significant jump, adding nearly 20 hours to average anchor and berth times. Europe follows a similar trend, with 12 out of 18 ports showing increased congestion, although only two experienced a rise of more than five hours.
In East Asia, four out of 26 ports saw increased congestion in Q2. Notably, Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan’s congestion rose by 17.7%, despite significant month-on-month improvements in June.
The report underscored the ongoing impact of the Red Sea crisis, which continues to disrupt supply chains globally. Surging container shipping demand is another contributing factor to the congestion woes, according to Beacon’s report. While earlier analyses suggested that most ports were managing well, the latest data indicated that major ports are increasingly feeling the strain.
Beacon’s CEO, Fraser Robinson, commented on the findings: “Our port congestion index highlights the intricate and dynamic nature of global supply chains and the impact of external events. The sharp increase in congestion at Charleston and the ongoing disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis underscore the importance of robust and adaptable supply chain strategies. Despite these challenges, it’s encouraging to see improvements in some North American ports, demonstrating the resilience and responsiveness of our industry.”
