Why disruptions on one sea route can delay goods well beyond it

UN Trade and Development's maritime review tracks the effects of disruptions at major routes and chokepoints. When carriers switch to a longer route, the change affects sailing time, vessel schedules and the arrival of goods at ports farther along the network.

The timing matters to businesses that depend on a shipment as an input. A delay can leave a factory waiting for components even when its direct supplier is operating normally. Routes, transfer ports and delivery commitments all help explain where the effects show up.