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Ocean and Key Ports Update
Maersk is continuing the phase in of the Gemini Cooperation East-West network, which is set to be fully implemented by June 2025. A reliable ocean network will bring a number of benefits to our customers’ supply chains in terms of inventory management, flexibility, and more. Click here to hear from Maersk Head of Trans Suez Network, Sebastian Von Hayn, as he outlines the next steps for customers of the East-West network from end to end.
In the north of Europe, specifically in ports of Antwerp and Bremerhaven, we are seeing an increase in congestion levels and operational disruptions. This is due to a combination of factors such as port strikes, phase-in and phase-out plans of ocean networks across the industry, and lower labour availability around the public holidays at the end of April.
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 working on contingency plans on vessel basis and communicate any impacts directly to customers.
To stay on top of any updates to your cargo, please sign up for ETA notifications, and for updates to the situation, please visit our advisory page.
To help alleviate the situation and reduce pressure on terminals, customers are kindly asked to collect their import containers, especially reefer cargo, from the terminals at their earliest convenience.
Air Freight Update
The de minimis exemption, which previously allowed shipments worth up to $800 to enter the US without paying duty, expired on 2nd May 2025 for imports from China and Hong Kong (The White House). Data from Xenata suggests that approximately 50% of air freight shipments from China to the US are e-commerce, and we will keep customers informed of any information or knock-on effects that could impact supply chains as soon as possible.
At this time, air freight de minimis shipments from Europe into the US are unaffected, but there remain many unknowns with regards to global tariffs and policies. We encourage customers to get in touch to discuss their air freight strategies and options for the coming months ahead.
Our vast global network is on hand to support shipments from Europe to the US, including from our gateway in Frankfurt and via our own controlled flights from Liège (Belgium) into Chicago Rockford and Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (South Carolina). Charter flight options are also available – please reach out to your local Maersk representative to discuss.
Please click here to find helpful information about Maersk Air Cargo and our services to and from Europe.
Inland Update
At the start of July, major construction is expected along the motorway near the Port of Hamburg. As a result, the rail terminal is expected to close between 4 July and 8 July, meaning it will not be possible to transport cargo via rail to and from the port. Our teams are looking into alternative options for Hamburg rail cargo to minimise disruptions for our customers. Find out more about the temporary railway closure at the Port of Hamburg.
In Rotterdam and Antwerp, our teams have had to assess the sustainability and accuracy of our inland transportation rates due to the recent congestions. This means that, in order to secure the needed capacity in the market and minimise disruptions, we will be introducing an Inland Peak surcharge (IPI/IPE) across all inland transportation modes via the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. The surcharge will be applied based on the Price Calculation Date (PCD), and more information is available here.
For inland transportation across Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria, and Switzerland, our teams have noticed an increase in requests for issuing CMRs, or consignment notes.
A copy of this document is available at the customer’s side before cargo pick-up, therefore obtaining a copy of this document is not a requirement for inland transportation. In case you would still like to obtain a copy for your records from 15 May onwards, this will come with a fee of 25 EUR. Find out more about requesting CMR documents.
As part of our regular rate review, we have made updates to the UK Inland Tariff to help ensure the consistent level of service you expect from us and secure the needed capacity in the market. The website and booking system are now updated with the new rates, and to read more about the tariff update, please click here.
For more information on ways to connect seamlessly with our rail, road, and barge solutions across Europe, please visit our Inland solutions and services across Europe.
Customs Update
Global tariffs and their subsequent impact are continuing to cause widespread uncertainty, and with this in mind we encourage customers to contact our Global Trade and Customs Consultants to map out and anticipate likely scenarios for your business. Please also visit our dedicated global tariffs page to keep track of the latest developments.
Elsewhere, the United Kingdom is set to follow the European Union’s example and implement a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) from 1st January 2027. We are expecting a proposal for UK CBAM in the coming months, and we encourage customers to start planning early to stay compliant. More information can be found here, or get in touch with Maersk Customs Services to discuss options.
The EU CBAM, meanwhile, has proposed a number of requirement simplifications for those importing CBAM goods, including importers of fewer than 50 tonnes of CBAM goods per year being exempt and changes to reporting deadlines. Details of the simplification proposal can be found here.
Ecommerce Update
This month our teams are finalising preparations for DELIVER, a key event for retail and supply chain industry in Europe. According to event survey, major topics for this year’s attendees are express and economy delivery, third party logistics, courier management and tracking, as well as always-present returns.
These topics will remain top of mind for businesses in the ecommerce and brick-and-mortar businesses over the next 12 months. To gain competitive advantage, businesses will need to evaluate their customer needs against their last-mile provider’s abilities.
Across Europe, 59% of consumers expect their parcels to be delivered within two days. In the UK and Germany, consumers are more willing to pay for a premium delivery option, and in contrast, less than half of French and Italian consumers are willing to pay a premium for same-day or next-day delivery.
To balance these trends and make sure businesses are catering to the specific consumer needs in the right markets, businesses will need to evaluate their last-mile delivery approach, as well as service providers, in key markets.
Our teams keep this in mind when considering the unique requirements of our customers, and their common needs: efficient supply chains and on-time deliveries, all so that your omnichannel supply chain can be simpler and uncomplicated. Meet our team on 4 and 5 June at DELIVER and ensure your products get to the right place, right on time. Book a meeting here.
To find out more about how our teams can help provide the best ecommerce delivery solutions for your business, visit our E-Delivery page.
Useful Links
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