Maersk updates Europe operations amid Red Sea shifts and supply chain pressures

Summary: Latest supply chain information for managing your operations through Europe.

09 Sep 2026

After a thorough assessment of the security situation in the Red Sea area, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced that the AE19 and AE15 services will now transit via the Suez Canal rather than the Cape of Good Hope. These targeted changes mark a measured step towards a gradual return to the trans-Suez corridor, however they do not represent a wider return of the East-West network at this stage. Customers will be updated on the latest information around Suez transit as soon as there are new developments, however it remains an unpredictable situation and all decisions will prioritise the safety of our people, assets, and customers' cargo.

Elsewhere, East Asia's 2026 typhoon season has seen above-normal activity, with several severe typhoons making landfall in a two-week period and leading to flooding, congestion and delays in vessel operations throughout the region. The ripple effects of the resulting schedule adjustments, congestion, and capacity constraints are being felt across the industry and wider shipping network – including within Europe. Our teams remain on hand to support with maintaining as much flexibility on Asia-Europe planning as possible and we are actively working on solutions for customers, so please don't hesitate to reach out to discuss options for your cargo. Get more information here.

Adding to this, China's Golden Week national holiday period is fast approaching in the first week of October, where a reduced workforce and factory closures across the country traditionally disrupt production schedules and logistics operations. Maersk will balance its Asia-Europe network during the Golden Week period in order to minimise disruption for customers – read the latest changes here.

On the terminal side, recent industrial action at German terminals has added to existing operational pressure across North Europe, with connections through Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven being impacted. Maersk will keep a close eye on the situation and keep customers informed of any schedule changes and contingency measures to keep cargo moving. Positively, Belgian terminals recently faced higher waiting times due to lack of pilot availability, however normal activity has resumed thanks to regular pilot levels returning.

Congestion continues to impact key North Europe and Mediterranean gateways, while strong demand and operational constraints are also placing pressure on capacity across several services. Customers should book as early as possible, provide accurate cargo forecasts and documentation, and collect import containers promptly to help maintain terminal fluidity.

To stay updated on the latest information on your cargo, you can receive ETA notifications for your cargo by signing up here.

With the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) set to apply from 30th December 2026, the European Commission has published updated guidance clarifying several key compliance requirements in its latest FAQs. Customers trading in commodities covered by EUDR should review the updated filing requirements and ensure due diligence processes are fully operational well before implementation to avoid customs clearance delays and supply chain disruption.

Meanwhile, there will be new EU customs declaration requirements for EU steel importers from 1st October 2026, including providing traceable evidence showing where steel was originally melted and poured. We advise customers to work closely with suppliers now to obtain the required documentation and avoid customs delays, quota risks and potential additional duties at the border. Get more information here.

And finally, importers subject to the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) should review any 2026 emissions calculations that relied on default values, as the European Commission has issued revised default emissions values with retroactive effect from 1st January 2026, which may change the number of CBAM certificates required for surrender and could affect compliance obligations for imports made throughout the year. Find out more here.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to our Global Trade and Customs Consultants if you require support.

In air freight, IATA data shows that global demand growth accelerated to 12% year-on-year in June, supported by a resilient global economy and strong demand for higher-value cargo – particularly technology, semiconductor, and AI-related shipments. European import volumes also strengthened, while European export growth returned to positive territory.

At the same time, the EU's removal of the €150 de minimis threshold continues to reshape cargo flows, driving a sharp reduction in low-value e-commerce shipments into Europe and freeing up capacity for higher-yield and time-sensitive freight. European shippers moving technology, machinery, chemicals and retail products may therefore benefit from a more favourable capacity mix than seen during previous peak seasons.

Looking ahead, customers should continue to plan proactively as market conditions remain dynamic despite improving capacity. Geopolitical developments, changing trade policies, and evolving manufacturing trends continue to influence cargo flows, particularly between Asia and Europe. For businesses moving time-sensitive or high-value goods, early planning and close coordination with logistics partners will remain important to maintain supply chain resilience as the market progresses towards the traditional year-end peak season.

Please click here to find helpful information about Maersk Air Cargo and our services to and from Europe.

Europe's inland transport network continues to face disruption from low water levels across key waterways. In the Netherlands and Germany, low water conditions on the Rhine have reduced barge capacity and created challenges for inland terminals. We will continue to keep a close eye on developments and update customers on when levels return to normal as soon as possible. Read more here.

Across all inland modes, early booking, accurate cargo forecasting and prompt collection of import containers will help minimise disruption as logistics networks continue to absorb the impact of seasonal low water conditions, infrastructure projects and wider operational pressures across Europe.

For more information on ways to connect seamlessly with our rail, road, and barge solutions across Europe, please visit our inland transportation services in Europe.