Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) —Recent observations indicate that Europe is experiencing an earlier-than-usual peak season, influenced by several factors. Businesses are proactively getting cargo to European ports ahead of schedule to mitigate potential disruptions, while rising consumer spending has amplified demand. This proactive strategy comes as key trade routes face disruptions, impacting ocean freight rates and capacity. To maintain adequate inventory levels in target markets, companies are securing space early, which is expected to affect cargo storage dynamics across Europe. Customers are encouraged to connect with their local Maersk representatives to explore available options.
In Bangladesh, ongoing political instability has disrupted logistics operations in and out of the country. Although the situation is gradually improving, it remains fluid. Maersk teams are closely monitoring developments and taking necessary precautions to ensure employee safety and the smooth functioning of customer supply chains. For the latest updates, please visit our dedicated advisory page.
To prevent further disruptions and manage delays effectively, our teams are focused on enhancing service reliability, minimizing the ripple effects of these delays on European operations. Terminal yard density remains high, and we urge customers to expedite the clearance of their cargo.
At Hutchinson Port Delta II, a summer labor shortage, coupled with delays from vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, has resulted in approximately 24-hour waiting times. A full recovery is anticipated by week 35.
Bremerhaven is witnessing positive terminal performance and improved yard density at both facilities. While vessel waiting times are improving, the MSC Gate is experiencing a slower recovery compared to the North Terminal. Ongoing negotiations regarding the Collective Labour Agreement have led to strike actions in July, but no further strikes have been announced. Our teams continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep customers informed.
In Felixstowe, congestion has led to vessel wait times of two to four days. To recover schedules and enhance service reliability, our teams have implemented a series of omissions in recent weeks.
The overall situation in Mediterranean hubs is stable, although some terminals are experiencing vessels arriving outside of their scheduled timelines. In Algeciras, for instance, productivity and lineup are being impacted by crane maintenance and pavement repairs, which are expected to continue until the end of the year. Our teams are diligently monitoring load and discharge patterns as well as yard density to minimize disruptions for customers.
The Port of Barcelona has seen an improvement in congestion levels, yet yard density remains high. Customers are kindly requested to pick up their import containers promptly after discharge and adhere to gate-in times for export containers.
For real-time updates on your cargo, we encourage you to sign up for ETA notifications.
Air Freight Update
Last month, Maersk welcomed the first of two new Boeing 777 freighter aircraft, making it the first Danish airline to include a 777 in its fleet. These new additions will enhance service on the existing route between Hangzhou, China, and Billund, Denmark, initially offering three flights per week with plans to increase to six weekly flights. Maersk customers can benefit from increased capacity, shorter transit times, and advanced technology designed for oversized and temperature-controlled cargo. To learn more about the 777 additions, click here or listen to our expert’s insights.
By staying informed and proactive, businesses can better navigate the evolving logistics landscape and continue to meet customer demands effectively.
