West Coast Port Congestion 2025: Oakland, Los Angeles & Long Beach Updates

After the New Year, import and export activity surged once again, leading to renewed congestion at major West Coast ports. According to recent MarineTraffic mapping data, the Port of Oakland currently faces a six-mile queue with 17 ships waiting offshore — three tankers and the rest cargo vessels. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach report even longer delays, with a staggering 16-mile queue and 43 vessels awaiting berth.

Current Situation at Major West Coast Ports

• Port of Oakland: 17 ships in queue, including 3 tankers and 14 container ships.
• Port of Los Angeles & Long Beach: 43 ships waiting, including 11 tankers.
• Docked vessels: 4 in Oakland and 12 in Long Beach.

Satellite imagery shows a stark contrast at Oakland compared to early 2024 — the once-busy shipyard now appears almost deserted, with thousands of containers cleared or relocated. In contrast, Long Beach displays a more active terminal with visible cargo inventory and higher vessel turnover.

CMA CGM Expands Routes to Ease West Coast Congestion

To relieve bottlenecks, CMA CGM recently announced a direct Asia-to-Oakland service. This move aims to divert some of the overwhelming cargo traffic from Los Angeles and Long Beach. The carrier also plans to expand services to Seattle and other Pacific Northwest destinations, increasing port diversity and reducing pressure on California’s southern coast.

Normally, carriers activate recovery vessels or charter alternates to maintain schedules. However, with nearly all available ships in operation, carriers are now cancelling sailings instead of rescheduling — a sign of tight global capacity and lingering supply chain strain.

Federal Maritime Commission’s Recommendations

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has advised carriers to explore alternate ports such as Tacoma and Seattle to help distribute the flow of goods more evenly. Additionally, the FMC urged U.S. port authorities to prioritize dockworker vaccinations to mitigate labor shortages that continue to hinder port efficiency.

With increased shipping volumes, many in the logistics sector are watching closely to see whether these adjustments will reduce delays or simply shift congestion northward along the coast.

Outlook for West Coast Port Congestion in 2025

Experts believe that unless new operational measures and labor force expansions are implemented soon, West Coast port congestion could persist through mid-2025. However, as global shipping patterns stabilize and carriers diversify routes, relief could gradually reach ports like Oakland, Los Angeles, and Long Beach.

For importers and exporters across California and the Pacific Northwest, port diversification will remain a key strategy in ensuring timely deliveries and maintaining trade flow efficiency.

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