Ocean update
In February 2025, together with Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk is launching an operational collaboration called the Gemini Cooperation to deliver the Network of the Future which covers the ocean freight network on East-West trades. The ambition of the Network of the Future is to reduce network complexity with mostly single operator loops and fewer port calls per service, incorporate terminals with the highest level of productivity and operational efficiency. Earlier this week, Maersk announced the network setup, including a Trans Suez network, as well as an alternative route south of the Cape of Good Hope.
Elsewhere, the situation on the east coast of the USA is being closely monitored by Maersk's teams, with negotiations between the International Longshoreman Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance Ltd. (USMX) continuing.
Strike action remains a possibility, but rest assured that Maersk is ready to assist customers and explore options to keep the supply chains moving best as possible via alternate routes, modalities, or distribution schedules. Customers are asked to stay in close contact with their Maersk representatives now as communicating supply chain requirements will be key to developing tailored contingencies if needed.
China's Golden Week national holiday period at the start of October is fast approaching, with factories shutting across China and port operations slowing down as part of the celebrations. The period traditionally sees a rush for companies to ship goods out of China before operations become limited, and while that will continue to be the case, Maersk is expecting the rush to be less hectic than in previous years. This is due to the shift in peak season in 2024, as businesses have looked to get goods to European shores as early as possible amid the ongoing Red Sea situation to ensure they don't miss key seasonal events.
Key ports update
European Hubs and gateways are showing a stable performance across both North Europe and Mediterranean. Maersk's hubs will play an important role in the Network of the Future - located as 'pearls on a string' on the main route from Asia to Europe. This development, coupled with a 30% increase in capacity, presents an advantage in the sector.
With summer season coming to an end, weather conditions have been stable across the continent. In Rotterdam, due to a damaged crane at Maasvlakte II, a backlog has developed at the barge key. The repairs are currently underway and expected to finalize this week. Maersk teams have worked on putting alternative solutions in place, including shifting barge operations to the deep-sea quay and increasing truck slots, to mitigate the impact on customers' supply chains. At the Delta 2 terminal, there has been an increase in the empty container stack and an extra loader is now planned to reduce the current high stock.
In Bremerhaven, terminals remain stable, however network challenges are causing delays across all services, which will put additional stress on the line-up. The last round of negotiations between the labor union and the employer has not resulted in an agreement, and the dates for the next round have not yet been announced. Our teams continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep customers informed of any developments.
Elsewhere in Germany, customs regulations require that Import Customs Manifest is submitted between 48 and 72 hours prior to vessel arrival. Maersk teams have noticed that due to untimely submission of these shipping instructions, a percentage of shipments is often being rolled in Germany, causing delays to the flow of our customers' cargo.
To prevent cargo being rolled in Germany or any other transhipment port for this reason, Maersk is now implementing a No Doc No Load policy - meaning shipping instructions must be received and processed in the system prior to the load list being prepared.
In the Mediterranean, both terminals in Tangier are running well and showing a stable performance. In Algeciras, mandatory crane repairs and pavement works have affected productivity levels, while on the terminal yard side, we are seeing increased yard density due to network delays and long layovers. Maersk is keeping a close eye on the situation and load and discharge patterns and yard levels to minimize disruptions for our customers.
Air freight update
Having recently been added to the Maersk Air Cargo fleet, the brand new Boeing 777F is now commencing regular commercial operations between Europe and China following successful test flights. The delivery of the second new 777 is also expected soon, with the aircraft due to enter service in Q4 2024.
Elsewhere, Maersk recently announced the opening of a new warehouse in Fredericia, situated within the 'Triangle Area' of Denmark that enables cross-country connectivity within 3-4 hours. The new facility is in close proximity to Maersk's hub in Billund, which opens up further strategic storage options for air freight customers.
Also looking to enhance our offering, Maersk has launched a new 'Garments on Hanger' service for fashion and apparel air freight customers exporting from Italy. The specialist service will allow businesses to securely ship clothing items on traditional hangers, rather than packed into boxes.
Air freight rates out of Europe remain competitive, however rates out of IMEA and Asia continue to stay at high levels with the Red Sea situation ongoing, peak season approaching and e-commerce booming out of Asia. Capacity from Asia to Europe is also getting tighter in the current circumstances, but capacity from Europe to the world is not limited.
Inland update
Earlier this week, Maersk announced the new Network of the Future - Ocean freight network on East West trades. As the global integrator of container logistics, Maersk will offer seamless connections to a wide range of transportation products and logistics services at each of the hubs.
In addition to Ocean transport, Maersk will offer the flexibility to choose other transportation modes whether that's inland, rail, barge, or air, and value-adding services such as premium quality containers, free-time extension, value protect and energy products.
Elsewhere, continuing the efforts to accelerate EV truck industry growth, Maersk teams have begun testing electrified trucks for inland transportation of containers between the terminal in Mělník, and the customer's plant in Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic.
These electric trucks can complete three full round trips on this 96km route each day on a single charge, demonstrating that electric trucks are not only a viable alternative to traditional trucks but can also seamlessly fit into daily operations.
For more information:
Maersk
www.maersk.com