News / Delays and congestion as European port operations feel the cold

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Severe winter weather is hitting port and inland transport across Northern and Western Europe, Kuehne+Nagel warned, while China’s Cosco Group is seeking to expand its presence in the region.  

“Snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures are impacting all primary modes of transportation, leading to delays and interruptions at terminals and depots,” reported K+N yesterday. 

It noted that the harsh winter conditions had resulted in delays and service interruptions at terminals and depots, traffic jams and major road closures, reduced handling slots, and congestion throughout the supply chain. 

At the port of Hamburg, German carrier Hapag-Lloyd said Eurogate and CTA terminal operations were suspended on Saturday morning, but had resumed at CTA, although they were “significantly slowed”. 

At the CTT terminal, rail and truck movements continue to be suspended, but waterside operations are active, but “progressing slowly”. 

At the German ports of Wilhelmshaven and Bremerhaven, cargo operations are encountering minor disruptions, but full shutdowns have not occurred. 

And at Rotterdam’s ECT Delta terminal, all operations are at a standstill until further notice, with truck drivers advised not to approach the terminal. 

Operations at the port of Antwerp, however, have remained unscathed, and a spokesperson told The Loadstar there had been “no maritime or nautical impact in the port, as well as on the road”. 

K+N reported that the snow and icy weather conditions were expected to persist in the coming days, warning: “Consequently, scheduled loading and unloading appointments and closing times may not be met as planned.”

Meanwhile, German news publication DVZ reported that Cosco Group was seeking to expand its presence in the German seaport hinterland business beyond its involvement in Hamburg container terminal Tollerort. 

The Chinese carrier reportedly wants 80% of Hamburg-based Konrad Zippel Spediteur, via its new Dutch subsidiary, Goldlead Supply Chain Development, intended as a platform to drive Cosco’s expansion into terminal and hinterland activities in Europe, according to DVZ. 

Zippel Group moved 205,000 teu through the German ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven last year, some 80% by rail.  It owns 200  trucks and employs around 350 people. Axel Plass, MD and 70% majority owner, confirmed the deal to the news outlet, which reported that contracts were signed “shortly before Christmas”, and notification had been submitted to Germany’s national competition authority.

While the project is still subject to antitrust approvals, Mr Plass told DVZ he did not amnticipate any problems. As part of the deal, he will retain 20% of Zippel Group and MD. The currently remaining 30% is held by co-MD Axel Kröger who, according to DVZ, will leave the company. 

It was reported that two private equity firms had been eyeing a takeover, but Cosco had been favoured for its “know-how” and its plans to develop and expand Zippel’s intermodal activities.