7 Risks Impacting US Ports and How Operators Can Build Resilience

Geopolitical tensions, sourcing diversification and efforts to reduce dependence on traditional trade routes can affect global shipping patterns. As cargo flows are redistributed, US ports can become more exposed to disruptions that begin elsewhere in the supply chain but affect local operations.

For example, some ports are managing higher throughput and cargo accumulation, while others are experiencing changes in cargo volumes and the types of cargo they handle. These developments can affect how ports allocate capacity, manage cargo flows and respond to disruption across the supply chain.

For US ports, this can result in:

• Volume volatility, including sudden surges or declines in vessel calls
• Greater reliance on secondary routes and feeder networks
• Increased cargo accumulation
• More exposure to disruption beyond operator control

Gulf Coast ports remain key for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), petrochemical products and energy exports. East Coast facilities also continue to absorb additional cargo volumes driven by adjustments to trade routes and supply chain strategies.

As cargo volumes move between regions, many ports must accommodate growth with infrastructure not originally designed to support current operating demands. Capacity constraints, Panama Canal restrictions and the redistribution of cargo flows may continue to strain port networks.

These pressures often become visible across several critical areas of port operations, including:

• Berth and terminal capacity
• Yard storage and cargo dwell times
• Labor availability
• Rail and trucking connections
• Offshore wind and energy sector expansion

As pressures build across both coasts, operators may need to reassess infrastructure capacity, contingency planning and supply chain dependencies to maintain resilience.

Even as ports invest in infrastructure and technology, workforce challenges often remain a significant source of operational risk. Workforce disruptions can quickly create vessel backlogs, cargo delays and congestion across supply chains.

The challenge often extends beyond labor negotiations. As ports automate and adopt new technologies, many face difficulties relating to the workforce transition. Workforce transitions, retraining and succession planning can become critical to maintaining safe, efficient and resilient operations.

Key workforce pressures may include:

• Union negotiations
• Skilled labor shortages
• Workforce succession challenges
• Automation and technology-related transitions

As workforce challenges evolve, labor planning can become a core component of operational resilience.

Climate-related risks are often no longer limited to physical damage. Severe weather can affect infrastructure, workforce availability, cargo movement and supply chain performance.

Ports along the Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard can face some of the world's highest concentrations of hurricane and severe-weather exposure. However, the largest losses often stem from the indirect operational and financial consequences that follow the event itself.²

These impacts can affect multiple aspects of port operations, including:

• Port infrastructure and equipment damage
• Operational downtime after severe weather events
• Disruption to rail, road and storage networks
• Extreme heat affects workforce productivity and safety
• Drought conditions that reduce transit capacity on critical shipping routes

Geopolitical tensions may continue to alter shipping routes and trade flows. These developments reflect several of the broader forces examined in Gallagher's Four Forces Reshaping Global Shipping, including geopolitical uncertainty, trade realignment and evolving shipping routes.

US ports don't need direct exposure to major shipping chokepoints to feel their impact. Disruptions in key trade corridors can ripple across global supply chains, affecting cargo flows, vessel schedules and service levels at domestic terminals.

When delays build up elsewhere in the network, US ports can face sudden surges, uneven cargo arrivals and operational bottlenecks that place additional pressure on infrastructure and resources.

For US ports, chokepoint disruptions can result in:

• Vessel bunching and schedule volatility
• Uneven cargo arrivals and yard congestion
• Pressure on terminal capacity and logistics networks
• Container and equipment imbalances
• Business interruption exposures without physical damage

Criminal groups can use digital tools to identify, target and divert valuable cargo. A compromised system or fraudulent transaction can quickly escalate into cargo theft, fraud or business interruption.

Common tactics by cyber criminals can include:

• Spoofed shipping and customs documentation
• Fraudulent logistics entities and carrier impersonation
• Stolen credentials and identity fraud
• System infiltration and data manipulation
• AI-enabled phishing and social engineering attacks

As port operations evolve, so do their risk exposures. Insurance programs need to adapt to operational developments such as new infrastructure, technology investments and fluctuating cargo volumes and types.

Key exposure areas may include:

• Contingent business interruption (CBI): Financial losses resulting from disruptions elsewhere in the supply chain, including situations where inventory stockpiling creates higher concentrations of goods and accumulation exposures.
• Catastrophe aggregation: High-value assets concentrated in hurricane-prone regions can create correlated loss exposures and underinsurance.
• Environmental liabilities: LNG, fuel storage and emerging energy infrastructure can introduce pollution and long-tail liability exposures.
• Cyber and marine coverage overlap: Digital incidents can trigger physical losses and create uncertainty around coverage triggers, policy response and claims allocation.

Regular exposure reviews are important following significant operational developments, such as new tenants, construction projects, cargo-class adjustments, technology investments, acquisitions or new contractual obligations. These reviews can help port operators keep their insurance programs aligned with operational developments and risk profiles.