The numerous port disruptions in Asia now have the effect of a massive capacity reduction. According to Sea-Intelligence, approximately 8.5 percent of the global container fleet is effectively tied up due to delays. This corresponds to roughly three million TEU, or three million 20-foot container slots.
The vessels are not out of service. They simply arrive later and require more time for their turnarounds. This creates a capacity shortage elsewhere. A service that is delayed by one week cannot properly maintain its next schedule. Containers, crews, and terminal windows all become disrupted.
Schedule reliability fell to just under 50 percent in August. For delayed vessels, the average deviation was 6.8 days. The main drivers were repeated typhoons and disruptions at major Asian ports.
For importers, the consequences are quickly noticeable: later arrivals, missed rail or barge connections, new storage dates, and potential storage charges. Export cargo also suffers when the designated vessel arrives late or the shipping company cancels a departure.
It becomes particularly challenging when multiple delayed vessels arrive simultaneously. When this happens, terminals quickly face shortages of cranes, yard space, trains, and trucks.