Supply Chain Update: Navigating Port Congestion and Freight Impacts
At MBP Solutions, we are committed to supply chain excellence by keeping our network informed and supported during disruptions. Persistent congestion at major ports is impacting both ocean and inland freight operations across the industry right now. We value transparency and want to explain what’s happening, how it may affect by-product cargo and our proactive response.
Understanding the Current Situation
Over the past quarter, global transportation has become increasingly volatile. On the U.S. West Coast, Los Angeles Port is experiencing significant delays.
Local import containers wait 2.9 days at the terminal and 3.1 days on on-dock rail. At street yards, containers wait over five days before moving onward. Long Beach faces similar challenges, with many containers delayed between four and eight days. Vessel arrivals are below normal, but container flow remains irregular and unpredictable. This irregularity stretches gate operations and chassis capacity to their limits. Even with fewer ships, unpredictable cargo movement causes bottlenecks and slows the entire process.
Source: LINERLYTICA
In Northern Europe, major ports such as Antwerp-Bruges, Rotterdam and Hamburg are facing renewed yard and berth congestion. At the Port of Antwerp, average berth waiting times have increased from 32 hours in late March to 44 hours by mid-May -a 37% rise that rivals the most challenging periods of the pandemic. These delays are not isolated; they have a ripple effect throughout the supply chain. Trucks and trains are often unable to collect containers on schedule, leading to equipment sitting idle in queues. This triggers chassis shortages, increased driver overtime and missed slot bookings further inland, compounding the disruption.
MBP Solutions’ Proactive Response
At MBP Solutions, we are leveraging our expertise and strong industry relationships to minimise the impact of these disruptions on our partners. Our team is actively shifting bookings to less-congested ports whenever possible, carefully balancing the cost of detours against the risk of terminal delays. We closely monitor vessel schedules and communicate alternatives, allowing us to re-secure space without delay.
Stay Connected
We understand that these disruptions can create real challenges for production and sales plans. MBP Solutions is here to support our partners at every step, providing timely updates and solutions to keep your supply chain moving. For ongoing updates or to discuss your specific needs, please contact us and we look forward to engaging in solutions for your by-product needs.
Last Updated: 27 June 2025
MBP Solutions was founded in 1999 and specialises in adding value to biological by-products through a unique expertise in product applications, sustainability, sales and marketing, legal compliance and supply chain management.
With a focus on adding value to by-product processes, MBP Solutions has developed a unique service called OMBP (Outsourced Management of By-Products).
This 360ᵒ service delivers confidence to our global partners that by-products from industries such as vegetable oil refining, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and oleochemicals are managed in a sustainable way.
