Week 29 – Europe Operational Update
Last updated on July 17, 2026
**Update July 1, 2026**
We would like to inform you that temperatures across Northern Europe have returned to more seasonal levels, and the exceptional heatwave conditions that recently impacted terminal operations across Benelux and German ports have eased.
As a result, terminal operations are gradually returning to normal, with equipment performance, workforce productivity, and IT systems stabilizing across the network.
Based on the latest weather outlook and operational feedback from terminals, conditions now support the normalization of operations. Consequently, the previously communicated heatwave-related advisory is no longer in effect.
While minor localized delays may still occur as terminals work through any remaining backlogs, our teams continue to monitor the situation closely and support a smooth return to normal service levels.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact your local customer service team, who will be happy to assist you based on your individual situation.
***Update June 26, 2026**
We would like to inform you that the ongoing heatwave across Northern Europe is impacting terminal operations industry-wide, mainly across Benelux and German ports.
Due to persistent high temperatures, terminals are experiencing slower operations. This is caused by equipment overheating requiring cooling periods, additional hydration breaks for dock workers, and IT-related outages.
As a result, operational disruptions and delays may occur. Our teams are monitoring the situation closely and taking measures to limit the impact on the network and customer cargo planning.
Based on the current temperature outlook, conditions are expected to support a normalization of terminal operations next week.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact our customer service team at your location, who will guide you based on your individual situation.
In our letter of April 28th 2026, we informed you about the modernization works at the HHLA terminal CTA in Hamburg and the operational challenges ahead. We are now writing to update you on the concrete steps we are taking and the urgent actions we need from you.
The modernization works will impact operations at CTA Hamburg from late May until further notice. During this period, we will omit Hamburg CTA for our AL4 service sailings. Please note that the ECX and AL1 services are currently not affected by this change.
Please find the first affected sailing below.
| Vessel / Voyage | Serivce | ETD | Port |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSL Maria V.621W | AL Service | May 30, 2026 | Hamburg |
All subsequent affected sailings will be communicated in due time. We are committed to minimizing disruption to your supply chain throughout this period.
Alternative Port Options
To protect your cargo interests, we will offer load and discharge options at the following alternative ports:
| Port | Terminal | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wilhelmshaven | Eurogate CTW | Available for AL4 service sailings. |
| Bremerhaven | Eurogate CTB | Newly added as an additional option for AL4 service sailings to maximize flexibility for your cargo. |
What We Will Do For You
For all shipments booked under Carrier's Haulage, we will proactively arrange the redirection of pre-carriage and on-carriage to the alternative ports. Please be aware that customs clearance processes may be impacted due to the change of port. We recommend you review your customs documentation and consult with your customs broker where necessary.
If your shipment is booked under Merchant Haulage, you must now redirect your trucks and haulage arrangements from Hamburg CTA to either Wilhelmshaven or Bremerhaven. Please act now to avoid delays to your cargo.
Need Haulage Support? We Are Here to Help.
If you need haulage support to redirect your cargo to Wilhelmshaven, our Inland Delivery Team can arrange the necessary transport quickly and efficiently.
Contact: [email protected]
We understand this is a challenging situation. We are committed to keeping disruption to your cargo to an absolute minimum and will keep you informed of any further developments.
We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership.
Modernization works at HHLA Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) in Hamburg are progressing, with new remotely operated cranes set to be installed between mid-May and July 2026. During this period, temporary changes to terminal access and increased operational complexity may impact handling times.
To help maintain smooth operations, customers are encouraged to consider alternative ports and optimize container dwell times.
Click the button below to view the full update and all recommended measures.
Due to the expected traditional slowdown in Mediterranean activity during late summer, Hapag-Lloyd announces the following no sailing positions for our AL6 and MGX services:
- AL6: Maersk Memphis, sailing 635W / 642E, ETD Genoa 30 August, ETA New York 13 September
- MGX: Nicaragua Express, sailing 363W / 640E, ETD Genoa 3 September, ETA Veracruz 27 September
Antwerp
- PSA 913: Yard utilization is at 75% - 80%, with reefer utilization at 60% - 65%.
- PSA 869: Yard utilization stands at a level of 80% - 85%, reefer utilization of 60% – 65%.
- AGW: Yard utilization still increased at 90% - 95%, with reefer utilization at 85% – 90%. Delivery windows are advised on vessel-by-vessel basis until further notice. Terminal closed due to DG incident at MPET leading to several hours of operational downtime but is back to operations since 16/07.
- MPET DG incident stopped all operations at terminal (Q1742) expected to reopen on Friday 17/07.
Rotterdam
- ECT: Yard on an elevated level of 80% – 85% utilization.
- RWG: Yard utilization remained on a critical level of 80% – 85% utilization.
- DELTA II: Yard on a low level of 35% – 40% utilization ~ Reefers at a level of 30% - 35%.
- APMT MVII: Yard at a higher level of 85% – 90%.
UK
- SOU: Yard standing increased at 65% – 70% utilization. Reefers stand at 60% - 65%.
- LGP: Yard stands at 60% – 65% utilization. Reefers stable at a level of 55% – 60%.
Hamburg
- CTA: Yard at a high level of 80% – 85%.
o Terminal congested due to ongoing construction
- CTH: Yard at a normal level of 80% - 85%.
Bremerhaven
- NTB: Yard currently at a normal level of 80% – 85% utilization.
Wilhelmshaven
- CTW: Yard on a stable level of 70% – 75% utilization.
Le Havre
- CNMP/TNMSC: Yard at a stable utilization at 50% – 55%. Reefers at 50% – 55%.
- UK and Ireland: Our booking confirmation for shipments on feeder vessels sailing from the United Kingdom and Ireland will now show the link to our Hapag-Lloyd Website. On this link you'll be able to find the free time allowed on quay and the storage/demurrage charges that will be incurred if this is exceeded. In addition, the shipping instructions cut-off period will be the same as VGM, MRN or UCR, and DGN. You will be able to see this on your booking confirmations from May 20, 2024.
- For the surrender of Original Bills of Lading prior to container release at destination, please contact your local office for detailed guidance, they are happy to assist you. Please also consider electronic payment channels.
- You can do all your transactions digitally – from placing a booking to sending a shipping instruction.
- To monitor your shipments, use the Hapag-Lloyd Navigator, or visit our Online Business section for vessel/container/booking status and sailing schedules information.
- Get info and updates by subscribing to our CustomerNEWS.
With your cargo planning in mind, our booking confirmations for shipments from Antwerp will no longer include the earliest delivery date. Instead, we will refer to the terminal websites for the cargo yard opening hours of your scheduled vessel at the PSA Antwerp and DP World terminals. To effectively plan your loading and transport arrangements, this live information is essential.
Remember to bookmark both terminal websites. They are listed below for your reference: