We would like to inform you about the increasing congestion levels and operational disruptions at several ports across Northern Europe, specifically Antwerp and Bremerhaven. This a result of multiple factors affecting the ports, such as strike actions, phase-in and phase-out plans of ocean networks across the industry, low water levels on continental hinterland arteries, and the lower than usual labour availability ahead of the Easter holidays. The combination of these factors is leading to additional yard density and increased container dwelling above the ports’ operational capacity.

Maersk is doing all in its power to combat the situation and minimise delays, but as the terminals face congestion, this is expected to cause disruptions to our vessel and barge schedules. Our teams continue to structurally engage with the affected terminals to secure berthing windows and the needed number of moves to discharge and load as many units as possible.

We also continue working on contingency plans on vessel basis. Should your cargo be impacted by these contingencies, this will be communicated through your usual contact. In order to improve the situation and help speed up the recovery of the terminals, we strongly urge you to clear your cargo from the terminal as soon as possible after discharge, and to deliver export units as late as possible. To stay on top of any updates on shipment level, we encourage you to .

Our absolute priority remains keeping your supply chain moving, and we hope to have your support to ensure operations run as smoothly as possible despite the circumstances.

Maersk teams are here to serve you, so if you have any questions, please reach out to your local Customer Experience team. We look forward to continuously serving your global logistics needs.