By Maria Kalamatas | July 21, 2025
Section: International / Maritime & Trade Flows
Rotterdam, July 21 — Vehicle exports from Europe are surging to levels few terminals had anticipated this summer, forcing ports to stretch their resources as demand from Asia and the Middle East accelerates.
“We’re handling volumes that are nearly unprecedented for this time of year,” said Marieke van der Zande, operations manager at one of Rotterdam’s primary Ro-Ro terminals. “Our berths are full, storage areas are nearing capacity, and there’s little breathing room left in the schedule.”
Exports climbing faster than forecasts
The spike stems largely from a jump in electric vehicle shipments, alongside steady orders for premium SUVs destined for South Korea, China, and the Gulf states. Port data shows that outbound flows in July are running roughly 15 percent above early summer projections.
“These aren’t low-value units you can leave sitting,” van der Zande explained. “They need to move quickly to protect both margins and delivery timelines.”
Strain beyond the waterfront
Congestion is not limited to the docks. Inland trucking depots are reporting long queues as automakers race to deliver finished vehicles for export. Some logistics companies have begun rerouting cargo through smaller northern European ports to keep supply chains fluid.
“For one of our clients, nearly a quarter of outbound shipments now bypass the major hubs,” said Lars Kruger, a logistics coordinator for a German automotive exporter. “It’s the only way to avoid costly delays.”
Limited capacity on the water
While shipping lines have added additional sailings, the number of car carriers and available crews remains finite. Some operators are chartering smaller vessels to cover peak runs, but bottlenecks at major terminals are still the primary challenge.
“Even with extra ships, we can’t create berth space out of thin air,” Kruger noted. “That’s where the real squeeze is.”
Outlook for late summer
Industry analysts warn that the bottlenecks could intensify as production ramps up for Q3 and pre-holiday inventories grow. Without temporary storage yards and expanded labor shifts, delays could spill into late August.
“We’re adding shifts, opening overflow lots, and coordinating closely with carriers,” van der Zande said. “But this wave of demand isn’t tapering off yet.”
