In recent weeks and months, the weather in the UK and globally as a whole has been somewhat unpredictable. Much of the collateral damage has been reported in the press for all to see. There is however, more subtle damage – To the supply chain.
The recent storms in and around the UK has caused a handful of containerships to lose cargo overboard (another reason to obtain cargo insurance), with the majority of others suffering berthing delays due to booking slots being missed and Ports being unable to offload cargo in the high winds. It has been well reported that many Vessels were diverted from Felixstowe over the Christmas period to Southampton and London Gateway where weather conditions were less harsh. These last minute decisions on top of already delayed vessel arrivals cause administrative and logistical headaches for shipping lines and importers alike (as well as us Freight Forwarders stuck in the middle).
The Import Guide 