06 Oct 2026
As we approach the anticipated El Niño weather period expected to affect several areas in East Africa and surrounding regions from October – December 2026. We would like to proactively highlight potential operational challenges that may arise.
The seasonal outlook indicates above average rainfall over most parts of the region, with the potential of heavy rainfall episodes and localised flooding.
While the timing and severity of weather remains uncertain and conditions may vary by location, we believe it is important to share the potential risks and recommend mitigation measures to support your planning.
Potential Operational Impacts:
- Inland transportation and terminal access
Heavy rainfall, flooding or damage to road infrastructure could affect access to ports, terminals, depots and inland delivery locations. Potential impacts include:
- Longer transit times, temporary route restrictions or interruptions to import and export cargo movements.
- Transit cargo flows to neighboring countries may experience delays, affecting overall supply chain reliability.
- Longer truck turnaround times, which could reduce transport availability and delay cargo collection or delivery.
- Delays at terminal gates caused by restricted truck movements and traffic congestion.
- Challenges with timely export cargo delivery to terminals, potentially increasing the risk of missed cut-offs and cargo rollovers.
- Terminal and Vessel Operations.
- Severe weather could slow or temporarily suspend cargo handling where safe working conditions cannot be maintained. This may affect yard productivity and vessel loading or discharge, potentially extending port stays and affecting shipment schedules.
- If cargo collection and onward transportation are also delayed, terminal yard occupancy could rise, affecting container accessibility and increasing dwell times for import and export cargo.
Recommended Customer Actions.
To help reduce avoidable delays during the rainy season, we recommend the following:
- Allow additional planning and transit time, particularly for time-sensitive shipments and cargo moving through areas exposed to flooding.
- Coordinate with your transporter, clearing agent and receiving facility early to confirm transport availability, road access and readiness to receive cargo before dispatch.
- Where possible, deliver export cargo to the terminal well ahead of the applicable cut-off to reduce the risk of missed cut-offs or cargo rollover.
- Submit shipping instructions, customs documentation and other required information accurately and on time to avoid preventable delays.
- Arrange import clearance and collection in a timely manner where conditions permit and confirm that the onward transport and delivery locations are accessible.
- Notify your Maersk representative early of any time sensitive or temperature-controlled cargo, so that they can review the shipment requirements and available options.
- Monitor shipment updates and official weather guidance and be prepared to change transport or delivery plans if necessary.
- For shipments that Maersk logistics is handling the inland services, reach out to your specific CX account owners to proactively plan as per above guidelines.
Monitoring and customer support
Maersk is monitoring weather developments and their potential impact on cargo movements. Any operational response will take into account local conditions, access restrictions, and the safety of personnel and cargo.
We will provide further updates should any significant changes to operations or services arise. For guidance on your specific shipments, please contact your usual Maersk representative.
Thank you for your cooperation as we prepare together for potential weather-related disruptions.
