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Global port congestion rises as vessel waiting times nearly double
Global port congestion is intensifying, with vessel waiting times nearly doubling between the first seven months of 2019 and 2026, according to maritime consultancy Drewry. This trend is driven by a shift where ships spend more time waiting for a berth rather than undergoing terminal operations. Between 2019 and 2026, average time spent in port by containerships rose by 31%. Drewry notes that while terminal capacity grew by 21% in that period, cargo volumes increased by 28%, creating a structural imbalance. Factors contributing to the congestion include increased automation reducing buffer storage, geopolitical tensions, weather disruptions, and the trend toward larger vessels.
Regional impacts vary significantly. In the Asia Pacific, Manila and Shanghai are the only ports reporting vessel waiting times exceeding three days, while most other major gateways like Singapore and Hong Kong maintain wait times of less than one day. In South Africa, the Durban Gateway Terminal has shown signs of easing, with stack occupancy dropping from 89.2% to 73.8% in late August, though significant backlogs remain.
In response to logistics challenges, Ocean Network Express (ONE) will launch the D&D messaging system on September 1. The tool is designed to provide proactive alerts to users in Latin and Central America regarding container pick-up deadlines to prevent unnecessary demurrage and detention charges.
Entities
A. P. Moller-Maersk · Drewry · Durban Gateway Terminal · Maersk · Ocean Network Express · Port of Manila · Vincent Clerc
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] The average time a container ship remains in port increased by 31% between 2019 and 2026. portcalls.com · maritimemag.com · www.shippingaustralia.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ONE D&D alert system is scheduled to become operational on September 1. portalportuario.cl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc stated that container port capacity is insufficient in various regions. maritimemag.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ocean Network Express (ONE) will implement a messaging system called D&D for imports in Latin America and Central America. portalportuario.cl
- [DISPUTED] Global average vessel waiting times have nearly doubled in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2019. portcalls.com · maritimemag.com · www.shippingaustralia.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Manila and Shanghai are the only ports in the Asia Pacific region with vessel waiting times exceeding three days. logisticsnews.ph
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Durban Gateway Terminal stack occupancy decreased from 89.2% to 73.8% between August 25 and 27, 2026.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Between 2019 and 2026, terminal capacity grew by 21%, lagging behind the 28% growth in cargo volumes. www.shippingaustralia.com.au