However, over the past few weeks, the UK congestion has perhaps caused the biggest issues, as the delays in unloading has resulted in many vessels departing our ports before their import containers have been discharged. Instead, the containers have been unloaded at European ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge and would usually be fed back into UK ports on feeder ships within a few days.

At the moment, this process is taking up to four weeks, which means that many containers are stranded in Europe and are very unlikely to meet retail deadlines for having stock in stores, or on virtual shelves, for Christmas sales.

The delays are being incurred due to delays in those European ports, the current high pre-Brexit demand in European imports, and that feeder vessels are also being delayed at UK container ports.

Evolution Forwarding specialise in the movement of dangerous goods internationally, by air, ocean and road. We provide a complete solution which includes packing, documentation, compliance and training for dangerous goods products. For further information please email info@evolutionforwarding.com or call 0800 4346244.