Always Ahead: How TKO Europe Ensures Stock Availability in an Uncertain Global Market
By Bart van Pruissen, Managing Director of TKO Europe
The global trade environment in mid-2025 is under significant pressure. Geopolitical tensions, shifting tariff regimes, and infrastructure bottlenecks are disrupting supply chains across continents. In particular, the EMEA region — and Europe specifically — is experiencing a wave of logistical challenges that are testing the resilience of even the most robust operations.
Europe’s Ports Under Strain
Northern Europe’s key maritime hubs — including Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Rotterdam — are facing mounting congestion. Waiting times for berth space have surged dramatically: Bremerhaven has seen a 77% increase in delays, Antwerp 37%, and Hamburg 49% (1)
These delays are largely driven by labor shortages, low water levels on the Rhine River affecting inland barge traffic, and the rerouting of vessels due to instability in the Red Sea.
In Antwerp alone, over 11 seagoing vessels are currently waiting offshore, with 36 being handled in port. Rotterdam, while showing some signs of recovery, still reports 10 vessels waiting at sea and 43 in port (2)
Inland navigation is particularly affected, as ocean-going vessels are prioritized, causing extended delays for barge traffic — a critical link in the European logistics chain.
Our Promise: Always in Stock, Always Ready
At TKO Europe, we recognize that in times like these, reliability is not just a value — it’s a competitive advantage. That’s why we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure our customers are never left waiting. Through strategic investments in inventory, logistics, and digital infrastructure, we’ve built a resilient supply chain that can withstand global and regional disruptions.
Our distribution center in the Netherlands is fully stocked and powered by real-time inventory systems. This allows us to respond quickly to demand shifts, reroute shipments when needed, and maintain consistent delivery performance — even when the global logistics landscape is anything but consistent.
Stronger Together in a Changing World
We know that our customers depend on us to keep their operations running smoothly. That’s why we’re committed to transparency, flexibility, and partnership. Whether it’s navigating port delays, adjusting to new trade regulations, or managing last-minute changes, TKO Europe is here to help you stay ahead.
The world may be unpredictable, but your supply chain doesn’t have to be. With TKO Europe, you can count on availability, agility, and assurance — today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Conclusion
In a world where uncertainty has become the norm, businesses need partners they can count on. At TKO Europe, we don’t just react to global challenges — we anticipate them. By maintaining strong inventory levels, investing in logistics resilience, and staying closely connected to developments across the EMEA region, we ensure that our customers stay ahead, no matter the circumstances. When others are waiting, we’re delivering, That the deeper meaning of our tagline; Whatever it takes!
Let’s move forward — together.
Best regards,
Bart van Pruissen
Managing Director TKO Europe
Do you have any questions or would you like to learn more about our products? Feel free to Contact us !
References
[1] Port delays in Europe and beyond worsen amid trade pressures
[2] European ports face mounting congestion