Week 20 – Europe Operational Update

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.

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:

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.

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.

Antwerp

• PSA 913: Yard utilization is elevated at 80% - 85%, with reefer utilization at 60% - 65%.
• PSA 869: Yard utilization stands at a level of 70% - 75%, reefer on normal utilization of 50% – 55%.
• AGW: Yard utilization has remained increased to 70% - 75%, with reefer utilization reducing to 60% – 65%, Empties at 80% ~ 55% Cargo opening times now 6 days prior to vessel ETA.

National strike in Belgium on 12/05 without impact to vessel handlings

Rotterdam

• ECT: Yard on an elevated level of 70% – 75% utilization.
• RWG: Yard utilization remained on a critical level of 80 – 85% utilization.
• DELTA II: Yard on a low level of 40% – 45% utilization ~ Reefers at a level of 30% - 35%.
• APMT MVII: Yard at a higher level of 90% – 95%.

UK

• SOU: Yard standing at high level of 55% – 60% utilization. Reefers stand at 60% - 65%.
• LGP: Yard stands at 50% – 55% utilization. Reefers stable at a level of 55% – 60%.
  
  

Hamburg

• CTA: Yard at a high level of 85% – 90%.
• CTH: Yard at a normal level of 75% - 80%.

Bremerhaven

• NTB: Yard currently at a normal level of 75% – 80% utilization.

Wilhelmshaven

• CTW: Yard on a stable level of 75% – 80% utilization

Ascension Day 14/05 all German terminals with voluntary labour truck gates closed but regular waterside operations

Le Havre

• CNMP/TNMSC: Yard at a stable utilization of 55% – 60%. Reefers at 50% – 55%.

VALENCIA

In week 22, temporarily restrictions affecting a portion of Levante pier (APMT), due civil works for fender system extension and dismantling of gantry crane #7.

CASABLANCA

Port severely congested

• 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:

• PSA
• World