Late Arriving Containership Delays Reach Highest Levels Since Pandemic
In 2024, the containership industry has experienced mounting delays in schedules, with late arrivals reaching their highest levels since the pandemic’s peak. This delay trend, analyzed by Sea-Intelligence, reflects the challenges faced by global shipping, affecting freight forwarding and logistics services worldwide.
Rising Delays and Decline in Reliability
Despite efforts to maintain schedule integrity, the average delay for containerships has increased notably throughout 2024. Sea-Intelligence’s analysis of 34 major trade routes reveals that schedule reliability, which was around 50-55% early in the year, has seen a slight decline. According to Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, “While schedule reliability in 2024 has stabilized within the 50 to 55 percent range, it’s been on a slight downward trend since the May peak.” This decline emphasizes the logistical uncertainties facing businesses and shippers, including those looking for timely and efficient freight solutions.
September 2024 marked the lowest reliability point in two years, at 51.4%, a stark contrast to pre-pandemic reliability of around 80%. The challenges began re-emerging in late 2023 when interruptions in the Red Sea region started causing containership delays.
Year-over-Year Decline Among Major Carriers
The significant year-over-year decline in reliability among major carriers underscores the widespread impact of 2024’s disruptions. Maersk, one of the few carriers that improved its performance in September 2024, leads the industry at a 55.5% reliability rate, down from 70% a year ago. For businesses depending on timely deliveries, these fluctuations highlight the importance of working with flexible logistics providers like Neoworld, committed to adapting to such challenges.
Increasing Delays and Port Congestion
Containerships arriving behind schedule are now facing delays averaging 5.67 days, marking a half-day increase over the 2023 average. This delay, as noted by Sea-Intelligence, is one of the highest recorded post-pandemic, impacting not only shipping schedules but also the entire supply chain. Asia’s major ports, including those in China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Korea, have reported persistent congestion, which further contributes to delays.
Industry Outlook: 2025 and Beyond
The disruptions from Red Sea route diversions are expected to continue into 2025, as Maersk recently cautioned. The Houthis have escalated attacks, claiming to have targeted over 200 vessels over the past year. This ongoing risk adds another layer of unpredictability to schedule reliability.
For those reliant on shipping stability, such as importers, exporters, and logistics service providers, these conditions underscore the need for adaptive and forward-thinking strategies. Our team at Neoworld is dedicated to helping clients navigate these turbulent times, leveraging a robust network and deep industry expertise to ensure that your shipments remain as predictable and seamless as possible.