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The maritime industry, responsible for transporting most global goods, is facing significant challenges due to the heat. In 2024, extreme weather events, including heatwaves, led to a nearly 130 percent increase in supply chain disruptions compared to the previous year’s first half. High temperatures can warp steel rails, buckle roads, and even melt tarmac, causing delays and disruptions to port operations.
Ocean transport is the most cost-effective option for moving electronics around the globe.
One area of significant concern is the Mediterranean, where temperatures rise 20 percent faster than the global average.
The Suez Canal, a vital artery for global trade, is particularly vulnerable. Research by Marsh, an international insurance broker and risk advisor, has shown that extreme heat events reaching 45°C (113°F) could become seven times more frequent by 2100. Such extreme heat can lead to increased sandstorms, reducing visibility and hindering navigation through the canal. The consequences of such disruptions can be severe. For instance, the six-day blockage of the Suez Canal in 2021 by the Ever Given container ship, partially attributed to extreme weather conditions, resulted in an estimated $60 billion in disrupted trade.
