Maersk Suspends and Resumes Empty Container Acceptance at London Gateway Twice

The Port of London Gateway, operated by Maersk, suspended acceptance of empty containers from 12:00 hours on October 23, 2026, until further notice. The carrier informed its customers that the terminal would remain closed for empty container receipt and that the disruption was expected to last the entire weekend.

During the suspension, Maersk asked hauliers to check MATS Online for current instructions before dispatching empty containers. As an alternative, authorized through that system, the Pentalver London Gateway, Tilbury and Southampton terminals could be used, although these options remained subject to weather conditions and space availability.

Maersk lifted the restrictions on October 26, 2026 from 12:00 hours, allowing empty containers to be returned normally again. Port Technology noted that Vehicle Booking System (VBS) slots became available and that hauliers needed to secure a booking before dispatching containers to the terminal.

The calm was short-lived: Maersk announced a new suspension of empty container acceptance at London Gateway from 12:00 hours on November 2, 2026, with the disruption expected to last most of that week. As in the previous instance, the Pentalver London Gateway, Tilbury and Southampton terminals were made available as alternatives, subject to the same weather and space conditions.