International Shipping: Supply Chain Disruptions



The main causes of disruptions in recent years include the following.

1. Panama canal throughput reduction due to a draught. Current situation, about 33% reduction.

2. Suez canal throughput reduction due to a hostile action by Huthis in Yemen. Current situation, about 67% reduction.

3. Baltimore harbor complete blockage due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. On April 26, 2024 the Dali containership lost all power and control, and collided with a bridge support.

4. Suez canal throughput reduction due to blockage. The 400 meter, 20,000 TEU containership EVERGREEN Ever Given was stuck for six days in 2021.

5. Stevedore and other worker union strikes at ports, like the looming strike in September 2024 affecting 14 ports stretching from Maine to Houston.

6. Traffic congestion and other obstructions to access at major ports.

(The most common disruption of transportation in rivers is drought and flooding.)

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