Suez Canal backlog impacts global ports and supply chains

Ports around the world are struggling to keep up with the backlog of containers post the Suez Canal blockage last month. Similar to waiting for a London bus and three arriving at once, ports are being faced with a barrage of ships now the world’s busiest waterways is unclogged, especially as shipping companies were unable to react quick enough to divert ships before becoming stuck behind Ever Given.

The backlog will continue to add pressure to the already stretched supply chain. To move forward and avoid such backlog in the future, supply chains need to be digitised, agile and reactive. Digital supply chains and technology can help enterprises react in real-time and detect problems quicker, completing impact assessment and recovery right down to individual product SKUs that are on those ships. Solace’s current work with the Port of Singapore demonstrates how technology can help, although isn’t a magic bullet once the backlog has been created.