A worst-case scenario for the container shipping supply chain is no longer deemed impossible.

The bleak scenario drawn up by consultancy McKinsey paints a picture of tight container capacity and elevated freight rates until the end of 2024.

If the industry continues to be lobbed “curveballs” — Covid-19 lockdowns, the war in Ukraine and ongoing logistics problems — the supply chain disruption could last for two more years, analysts told a webinar on Thursday.