Recent port operations were marked by an abrupt surge in transpacific container freight rates, continuing security risks in the Red Sea region, and capacity redeployments on key Asia-Europe trades. Furthermore, U.S. regulatory pressure against global shipping practices as well as Venezuela-specific port impacts influenced terminal operators, carriers and cargo owners when planning their operational strategy.
Major container ports around the world experienced severe operational disruptions in late December 2025 due to severe weather conditions and capacity restrictions, with European and UK ports dealing with fog and wind effects while Asian and North American gateways had to manage congestion ahead of Chinese New Year peak season.
Between 13-24 December 2025, port operations worldwide were interrupted by severe weather, infrastructure constraints, and equipment issues. European gateways like Antwerp, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Algeciras London Gateway Southampton experienced congestion, high yard utilization rates, fog related closures. North American and Latin American ports dealt with strong winds, riverine suspensions, and inland flooding; operators prioritized fluidity safety resilience during these volatile times.
Port operations across the world were severely disrupted from 5-11 December 2025 by weather-related suspensions in South Africa, protests in Durban, flooding in Indonesia and congestion in Tanzania. Average vessel waiting times at some effected facilities, classed in the regional heavily disrupted portfolio as having been out of operation for 3 days or more due to labour shortages, maintenance needs or regional unrest, exceeded four days.
The Port of Los Angeles reported 429,000 TEUs handled for November 2025, a reflection of continued strong consumer demand despite global trade fluctuations. A cumulative 8.6 million TEUs saw action through 10 months, putting it in good shape to conclude the year in spite of an impending seasonal slow down.