Port Conditions Diverged Sharply Across Regions and Seasons in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Anchoring time averaged seven hours, varying by season
• Mediterranean ports saw 10.5‑hour anchorage, highest globally
• U.S. West Coast improved efficiency, unlike other regions
• Larger ships anchor less but berth over 34 hours
• Port emissions topped 12 million tonnes CO₂e in 2025

Summary

VesselBot’s 2025 port performance report, covering 660 terminals and 6,393 vessels, reveals stark regional and seasonal fragmentation in anchorage and berth times. Average anchorage per call was seven hours, ranging from 6.2 hours in July to 8.4 hours in December, with Northern Europe at 5.7 hours and the Mediterranean at 10.5 hours. While larger ships spend less time at anchorage, they endure over 34 hours at berth, driving total port‑call emissions above 12 million tonnes CO₂e. The U.S. West Coast was the sole major region showing efficiency gains, underscoring the need for real‑time data in logistics decisions.

Pulse Analysis

The latest VesselBot analysis paints a picture of a highly uneven global port landscape in 2025. Seasonal swings and regional disruptions—ranging from extreme weather in the Mediterranean to labor unrest in Northern Europe—have pushed anchorage times to opposite extremes within the same year. While July saw vessels waiting just over six hours, December averages climbed past eight, reflecting tighter capacity and heightened congestion. Such variability erodes predictability for carriers and cargo owners, inflating demurrage costs and complicating supply‑chain planning across continents.

Size matters more than ever in this fragmented environment. Feeder vessels still linger at berth for roughly 16 hours, whereas ultra‑large container ships (ULCS) can remain docked for more than half a day, with average berth durations of 34.2 hours. Although ULCS spend less time at anchorage, their prolonged berthing amplifies fuel burn and emissions, contributing roughly 78 percent of the 12 million tonnes CO₂e generated during port calls. The divergent operational profiles translate into distinct cost structures, prompting operators to balance economies of scale against environmental penalties.

These findings underscore a strategic shift toward real‑time, high‑frequency data platforms. Logistics teams that integrate live port‑performance feeds can dynamically reroute vessels, adjust loading windows, and mitigate the financial impact of unexpected delays. The U.S. West Coast’s modest efficiency gains illustrate how targeted investments in infrastructure and digital tools can reverse negative trends. As regulators tighten emissions standards and customers demand greener shipping, the ability to anticipate and respond to port bottlenecks will become a competitive differentiator for forward‑looking carriers and freight forwarders.