According to the Port of Antwerp, Europe’s second busiest port, the ripple effects of the Ever Given incident could persist for weeks, or even months. Lennart Verstappen, spokesperson for the Port of Antwerp Authority, has expressed that the full extent of the delay will only be evident upon the arrival of the postponed vessels.
“This incident has ramifications for the entire logistical chain. It’s not only about incoming ships but outgoing vessels as well. Antwerp is a significant hub for both imports and exports, and the availability of containers for shipping goods is crucial,” Verstappen shared with Euronews.
Some businesses are imposing a seven-day limit for containers to be admitted into the port’s export zone, prioritizing terminal space for offloading the ships arriving first. Several container vessels docking at the port of Antwerp have commenced unloading onto the dockside due to limited space availability.
In terms of financial recompense for the delay, shipping companies are unlikely to receive any since no physical damage was inflicted on the containers. Wouter Colomier from AON Insurance clarifies, “While cargo insurance is in place, delays are typically excluded from coverage. Unfortunately, there’s no easy solution for this.”
The comprehensive economic implications of the Suez Canal obstruction remain uncertain until the delayed container ships reach Europe. The International Trade Council will continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary guidance and support to affected parties.