Tradelanes / No relief in sight for congestion issues at North Europe's container ports

ID 379759420 © Mariusz Bugno

Maersk has seen “disproportionately high growth” on intra-Europe trades in both capacity and market share, as port congestion keeps rates elevated.  

In the most recent Alphaliner report, the maritime analyst revealed that Maersk has climbed five positions in the league of North Europe’s largest operators in just one year, now holding second spot, after MSC.  

The Danish carrier increased its intra-Europe market share to 13.5%, compared with 3.7% in the previous year, and was the only mainline operator to increase “both market share and capacity by a notable margin”, said Alphaliner.  

However, it added, Maersk’s disproportionately high growth “came as no surprise”. 

The carrier’s capacity boost, of some 30,000 teu, was attributed to the ‘hub and spoke’ system implemented in February via its Gemini alliance with Hapag-Lloyd. 

“In just one year, Maersk added six new intra-North European shuttles, both within and outside of the Gemini Cooperation, with eight ships of between 2,400-5,900 teu.” 

Overall, said Alphaliner, intra-North Europe service capacity grew 17%, or 43,000 teu, compared with July 2024, “as carriers deployed more ships of a larger average size”. 

Market share in intra-North Europe is now shared 55% by mainline operators and 45% by regional carriers and feeder operators, and Alphaliner data shows the total capacity deployed on the trade currently is 294,373 teu, compared with 251,586 teu in July 2024.  

According to the latest demand figures from Container Trade Statistics (CTS), intra-Europe trade volumes grew 4.3% in May year on year, reaching 744,600 teu, though this figure represents the whole continent, not just North Europe.  

Freightos’s average intra-North Europe spot rates for Rotterdam to Hull are around $650 per teu, up from $560 last year.  

Ports in North Europe have seen considerable and widespread congestion, resulting in significant delays and higher costs. DHL warned: “The overall situation remains highly volatile and dynamic.” 

In its July Ocean Freight Port Situation update, the forwarder reported the worst affected ports as Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Felixstowe.  

In Antwerp, terminals are facing pressure from high yard occupancy, due to the effect on berthing schedules from recent strikes and ongoing construction. There is currently a two-to-five-day delay average, and there are added fears that labour availability could worsen over the next two-month holiday period.  

Rotterdam terminals are experiencing significant pressure due to ship delays, the restructuring of liner alliances, strikes, and staff shortages. Additionally, construction, crane malfunctions, and unexpected closures are further diminishing available capacity, with average delays similar to those in Antwerp reported.  

In Hamburg, yard utilisation at container terminals CTA and CTH remains elevated, the latter now at 85%-90% full. The rail terminal’s recent closure also contributed to backlogs, and there is currently a one-to-two-day average delay.  

Ports in France and the UK are seeing varying levels of congestion and operational challenges, influenced by global vessel delays and local factors. Labour shortages across the summer holiday period are also expected.  

The Rhine river has seen critically low water levels and subsequent reduced barge capacity, limiting inland waterway transport and putting additional stress on a road network already impacted by limited rail services. 

Hapag-Lloyd is introducing a booking cancellation fee from North Europe on 15 August, of €125 ($146) for containers that are cancelled, reduced, or rebooked within five calendar days before the scheduled estimated time of departure, or not loaded for any reason. The fee covers all trades and container types. 

The German carrier said it “supports efforts to reduce operational disruptions and maintain a high level of service reliability by improving planning accuracy and equipment availability”.