November 18, 2020 – UK container imports offloaded at Antwerp, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge could be stranded for weeks before they can be relayed back, potentially missing out on the Christmas market. Ships diverted from the heavily congested hub ports of Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway have mostly discharged their UK imports at the Benelux ports, but now carriers are struggling with their relay options. Moreover, Antwerp and Rotterdam are reported to be “very full” across all of their box terminals, and carriers are now understood to be considering other options, such as Le Havre and Bremerhaven, that could see the delays extended well into next year.