Empty containers stuck in the port of Rotterdam, threaten to fuel shortages in Asia.

Empty containers, crucial for Asian exporters, are getting stuck at the port of Rotterdam as a growing backlog of undelivered goods at the European hub forces shipping lines to prioritize shipping full containers.

Europe's largest port has faced a flood of goods and empty containers coming from other terminals on the continent, shipping experts said. This coincided with a reduction in the number of ships sailing from Europe to China after Shanghai authorities confined the city in March.

Although Shanghai authorities lifted the restrictions this month, a shortage of ships and delays at European ports are forcing export goods to compete with empty containers for space on China-bound vessels, threatening to drive a new wave of disruption to Asia, logistics firms said.

Supply chains have been struggling to recover from the Zero Covid policy implemented by Chinese authorities and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prompting companies to avoid overland rail that might otherwise have relieved pressure on clogged ports.

High levels of congestion in Rotterdam prompted Maersk to inform customers last week that it would relocate containers with unclaimed goods out of the port.

About 60% of the vessels sailing from Europe to Asia in April and May this year were delayed, and there were a total of 13 waiting to dock in Rotterdam on June 17.

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