December 4th, 2025 – A series of extreme weather events has swept through several parts of Southeast Asia over the past week, triggering significant disruptions across both quayside and inland transport networks.
Sri Lanka: Colombo Port Faces Major Backlogs
Ocean carriers and terminal operators at Colombo Port in Sri Lanka are grappling with substantial operational turmoil after a three-day shutdown caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The storm, considered the strongest to hit the country in nearly ten years, led authorities to suspend all port operations on November 26 following an official weather advisory.
When the port reopened on Saturday morning, a long line of vessels awaited service, creating immediate congestion. By Tuesday, average berthing delays across Colombo’s terminals were estimated at two to three days. Although yard occupancy remains manageable and inter-terminal container movements have steadied thanks to lower on-dock volumes, port executives acknowledge that it will take several days to restore normal vessel windows after the 72-hour halt.
To help ease the impact on shippers, the port authority has granted additional free days for cargo owners to clear containers. Even so, inland freight services remain severely limited as damaged road and rail infrastructure continues to hinder transport into Sri Lanka’s interior.
India: Stormy Conditions Slow East Coast Operations
India’s east coast ports — including Chennai, Tuticorin, Ennore and Kattupalli — have avoided full shutdowns, but stormy conditions over the past two days have slowed operations considerably. Local shipping agents indicate that terminals in the region are running at a reduced pace because of the challenging weather, resulting in delays to both vessel departures and cargo movement.
Malaysia, Vietnam & Thailand: Flooding Creates Additional Strain
Across Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, heavy rainfall and flooding have added further strain to regional supply chains. In Malaysia, flooding has caused road closures that are likely to affect container traffic in and out of Port Klang. Some shippers have begun requesting extended timelines for returning laden containers as logistical bottlenecks intensify.
