News from the logistics industry
We keep you regularly informed about important developments in the shipping and logistics industry – from schedule changes by shipping lines and the situation in the ports to sanctions and customs topics.
Rhine at record low: inland shipping severely restricted
The Rhine fell below the zero mark at the Kaub gauge over the weekend – a historic low; Cologne also reported a new low-water record of 40 cm on Monday. According to the German inland shipping association, only a few cargo vessels are still operating on the Middle Rhine, and only with sharply reduced loads. The Federal Institute of Hydrology expects levels to rise in Cologne towards the end of the week and in Kaub from the following weekend. Containers moving by barge to the seaports of Rotterdam and Antwerp should be expected to face longer lead times and low-water surcharges. If you export from the Rhine catchment area, please allow extra lead time – we are happy to check rail or truck alternatives.
Source: ZDFheute
Strait of Hormuz remains closed – no short-term reopening in sight
On 26 September the US rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the strait within seven days; Iran says it will not change its conditions. The Strait of Hormuz therefore remains closed to regular container traffic. Cargo for the Gulf region continues to move via transhipment ports outside the strait – such as Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Salalah or King Abdullah Port – followed by feeder or truck transport. Onward connections are scarce, so transit times can be extended by several weeks. We monitor the routes of our ongoing shipments daily and will inform you of any changes.
Source: Malay Mail
Wage dispute in German seaports: strike ballot until 1 October
In the port industry wage dispute, 64.7% of the employees surveyed rejected the employers’ offer. The ver.di union is holding a strike ballot until the evening of 1 October. If at least 75% vote to reject, indefinite strikes are possible in Hamburg, Bremen/Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Brake and Emden. A 48-hour warning strike already disrupted cargo handling in Hamburg in early September. We will inform customers with current bookings immediately in case of delays.
Source: ver.di Hamburg
Red Sea: Gemini services return to the Suez Canal
As part of their Gemini cooperation, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are moving several services from the Cape of Good Hope route back to the Suez route. These include the Asia–North Europe service AE5 calling at Hamburg and Bremerhaven and the India–Europe service ME2 calling at Hamburg, each from late September. This shortens transit times, although the security situation at Bab el-Mandeb remains tense.
Source: Maersk
Golden Week: blank sailings between the Far East and Europe
Around the Chinese holidays in early October, Maersk is cancelling individual sailings between the Far East and Europe: AE15 from Qingdao (28 Sep), AE12 from Ningbo (8 Oct) and AE1 from Shanghai (10 Oct). If you are planning cargo to or from Asia during this period, expect shifts – we will be happy to find alternatives.
Source: Maersk
21st EU sanctions package against Russia
The EU has adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia. It comprises 218 new listings, including more than 40 vessels of the so-called shadow fleet, as well as measures against banks, refineries and defence companies. We check every shipment against applicable embargoes and sanctions lists.
Source: European Commission