A new report from logistics giant Maersk has been published highlighting the challenges of 'repeatedly disrupted' supply chains across Europe.

A comprehensive survey among more than 2,000 of Maersk's customers across the European region has found that businesses are facing major shipping challenges with significant financial impacts on their bottom lines.

According to the report, more than 76% of businesses have experienced supply chain disruption having a knock-on effect and causing delays to their operations in the past 12 months.

One-fifth (22%) of the businesses counted more than 20 disruptive incidents over the past 12 months and one in three businesses subsequently had difficulty securing necessary materials for production.

The report also found that 58% of cargo owners said the disruptions in their supply chains have proved to be more costly than they had envisaged.

Of the 2,000 professionals documented, 80% reported they believe the cause of these disruptions has stemmed from geopolitical instability or state-on-state conflicts, as well as severe weather situations due to dramatic climate change.

Aymeric Chandavoine, President Europe at A.P. Moller – Maersk, said: "If there is one thing that we have learnt lately, it is that disruption is imminent, and we also know from our customers that they see it that way.

"But very importantly, we see that European businesses are conscious that the best way to tackle disruption is increasing resilience in supply chains."

The report further found that one in two businesses (58%) are considering sourcing new locations closer to or within European shores.

The most prominent sourcing locations being considered are Turkey (11% of respondents), followed by Egypt (7%), Poland (6%), Morocco (3%) and Romania (2%).

The full report can be accessed here: European Business Resilience 2024 | Maersk