- Ocean shipping reliability dropped to just 50–55% in 2024, threatening global supply chain stability.
- Delays result in financial losses, disrupted operations, and damaged reputations for shippers.
- Proactive strategies such as data-driven decision-making, contingency planning, and integrated logistics partnerships can help mitigate risks and boost resilience.
With over 80% of global trade relying on ocean freight, maritime shipping is undeniably central to the world economy. Yet, the sector has faced mounting disruptions in recent years, from pandemics and climate events to geopolitical unrest and labor issues. These challenges have significantly eroded schedule reliability, which, according to Sea-Intelligence, stood at a concerning 50–55% in 2024. The resulting unpredictability has placed supply chain resilience at the forefront of business priorities.
What Ocean Shipping Reliability Means
In this context, reliability refers to more than just on-time arrivals. It includes the consistent performance of end-to-end services such as timely departures, the availability of good-quality containers, accurate documentation, and safe transport of goods. Equally important is the transparency and communication maintained throughout the shipment’s journey. Any lapse in these areas can cause serious operational disruptions and financial implications.
Consequences of Ocean Shipping Delays
The cost of unreliable shipping extends far beyond the port. Financially, companies are compelled to maintain higher inventory buffers, which increases warehousing and working capital costs. A reported average delay of over five days in March 2025 means businesses often carry one to two weeks’ worth of extra inventory. In industries with tight margins or time-sensitive products, such delays lead to lost sales, missed deadlines, and penalty costs.
Operational disruptions are just as damaging. Manufacturing lines may halt due to missing components, forcing companies to arrange costly alternative transport or expedited deliveries. The pressure on logistics teams intensifies as they scramble to adjust to unpredictable schedules, increasing stress and inefficiency throughout the supply chain. Moreover, perishable or seasonal goods risk spoilage or obsolescence, demanding more storage space and handling resources.
From a reputational standpoint, the inability to fulfill delivery commitments erodes customer trust and loyalty. Businesses risk losing market share to competitors who can offer more dependable service. In the long term, repeated disruptions can lead to deteriorating brand perception and reduced profitability.
Mitigating Risks and Building Resilience
Recognizing the inevitability of disruptions, shippers are adopting forward-looking strategies to cushion their operations. A key tactic is leveraging data to evaluate and select logistics partners. Analytical tools and reports from firms like Sea-Intelligence offer insights into carrier performance, empowering companies to make informed, reliability-based choices.
Collaborating with integrated logistics providers also offers a major advantage. These companies can manage the full supply chain—from ocean transport to inland logistics and warehousing—ensuring continuity even when part of the network is affected. This integration reduces the number of handoffs and minimizes the risk of breakdowns in communication and coordination.
Clear communication of reliability expectations with logistics partners further strengthens accountability. Performance reviews and service-level tracking can help ensure that agreed-upon standards are met and continually improved over time. Advanced planning is another essential element. Factoring in seasonal trends, regulatory requirements, and peak demand periods enables more accurate forecasting and timely bookings of space and equipment.
Diversifying transportation modes by incorporating air, rail, or road options can reduce overdependence on ocean routes. Technological investments that aggregate and validate data from multiple sources can provide end-to-end visibility, making it easier to spot and respond to issues proactively.
Above all, having a well-documented contingency plan is crucial. Businesses that prepare for different disruption scenarios—whether they be port strikes, adverse weather, or geopolitical incidents—are better positioned to adapt quickly and minimize damage.
Future-Proofing with Resilient Logistics
Supply chain disruptions may be unavoidable, but their impact can be mitigated. By adopting resilient logistics strategies—such as data-driven decision-making, trusted partnerships, and proactive planning—businesses can protect their operations, reduce costs, and safeguard customer relationships. Maersk’s ocean transport and integrated logistics services, particularly through the East-West network, are designed to help shippers navigate uncertainty with agility and confidence, keeping cargo and commerce on the move.
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Source: Maersk
