SIMIC

Extended dwell times caused yard density and terminal congestion, increasing both significantly.

Ocean carriers initially dealt with chronic congestion by skipping calls and overlanding containers at smaller ports.

There are suggestions for more night shifts and weekend work to overcome supply chain disruptions.

Rotterdam saw 6.2 per cent less throughput across its box terminals in the first six months, at 7.3 million TEU, while neighboring Antwerp-Bruges saw a 4.4 per cent decrease to 6.8 million TEU.

Rotterdam attributed the volume decline to a loss of traffic to and from Russia.

It declared container vessels were "no longer able to comply with their sailing schedules."

The port handled 5.5 per cent fewer calls in the first half of this year compared with the previous year, while those vessels saw a 6.1 per cent increase in their container exchanges.

"This results in peaks of activity at the terminals, which are already very busy, since containers are left for longer periods because ship arrival times are more unreliable," said the port.