Maersk Europe update: ME1 Gemini returns to Suez, EUDR and CBAM changes

Summary: The latest supply chain information and developments across Europe for November 2026.

06 Nov 2026

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced a structural change to the ME1 Gemini service, which will now sail through the Suez Canal instead of via the Cape of Good Hope. The ME1 joins the AE5, AE11, AE12, AE15, AE19, and ME2 in returning to the trans-Suez routing, providing more efficient transit times and strengthening connectivity across key East-West corridors.

Any further alterations to services within the Gemini Cooperation will remain dependent on the ongoing stability in the Red Sea area.

With the Christmas and New Year period approaching, Maersk is adjusting several transatlantic services between Europe and North America to maintain network stability and schedule reliability. Customers using the TA1, TA2, TA3, and TA12 services should review adjustments and plan critical year-end cargo accordingly.

Weather has been the main driver of operational disruption across North Europe in recent weeks, affecting berth availability, vessel schedules, and terminal productivity. The impact has been particularly noticeable at some UK gateways – where adverse weather has compounded existing congestion and yard-density pressures – while other major North European hubs have also experienced periods of schedule disruption.

As we move further into the winter period, customers should continue to build additional flexibility into their supply chains. Maersk will continue to use the necessary contingency measures to support cargo flows and limit weather-related disruption as much as possible.

Across North Europe, port operations remain broadly stable despite the vulnerability to adverse weather. Customers are kindly reminded to arrange import collection as soon as possible, particularly for refrigerated and dangerous goods, in order to to reduce dwell time and maintain sufficient terminal capacity.

The scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has been updated ahead of its application at the end of December 2026, giving businesses greater clarity on which products are covered. The latest changes remove certain products from scope, while soluble coffee, selected palm oil derivatives, and frozen cattle tongues will be added from 30 December 2027. Businesses trading commodities or derived products affected by the regulation should use the remaining preparation period to recheck product scope, supplier information and due diligence processes.

Carbon-related customs requirements also require close attention. The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificate price for the third quarter of 2026 has been set at €82.32, while the European Commission has also proposed extending the mechanism to additional steel and aluminium-intensive downstream products from 2028. Importers should review affected commodity codes and ensure they can access the emissions data required across their supplier base.

The UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will meanwhile take effect from 1 January 2027, making it important for businesses trading affected goods to prepare emissions data and understand their potential registration obligations.

Finally, businesses should also prepare for the updated EU Combined Nomenclature taking effect on 1 January 2027 by checking product classifications and updating customs and product master data where commodity codes change.

Customs remains a complicated area of the supply chain, with new regulations coming into force frequently. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Global Trade and Customs Consultants if you require support with your customs operations.

In air freight, demand remains resilient heading into the year-end peak season, when the holiday period traditionally increases pressure on available capacity. Demand is being supported by improving global manufacturing and particularly strong technology and machinery volumes linked to AI infrastructure, while capacity growth remains more limited. For European businesses with time-sensitive or high-value cargo, this makes early planning increasingly important. Customers should identify critical shipments and capacity requirements in advance, while keeping alternative routings or transport modes available where greater flexibility is possible.

European air freight flows are also changing as new customs measures affect low-value e-commerce imports, while higher-value technology, machinery and chemical volumes continue to grow. For supply chain leaders, this changing cargo mix reinforces the importance of accurate customs data, appropriate inventory positioning and selecting transport modes according to urgency rather than relying on air freight reactively.

For inland services, rail capacity at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam will remain constrained for longer than previously anticipated due to ongoing terminal expansion works, with reduced availability and flexibility now expected until the end of June 2027. Customers using rail through Maasvlakte II should plan inland movements early and allow additional flexibility, while alternative options including barge connections to inland terminals, truck transport, and alternative rail solutions may be available depending on individual cargo requirements and operational capacity. Maersk teams remain on hand to support with planning, so please contact to your local representative if you require assistance.