European Port Congestion and Inland Transport Challenges Causing Global Disruptions
Severe congestion across key European ports—Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp—is worsening due to labour shortages, increased cargo volumes, and inland transport issues. These disruptions are now having a widespread ripple effect across international shipping lanes.
Global Flow-On Effects
- Asia: Major ports such as Shenzhen are reporting vessel delays and bunching, as global schedules are pushed out of sync.
- United States: East Coast ports are seeing growing congestion as cargo is redirected, compounding equipment imbalances.
- Australia: Inbound shipments from Europe and Asia are experiencing delayed ETAs on both LCL and FCL cargo. We are also observing early signs of tightening container availability and slower equipment turnaround, which may impact future capacity and pricing.
Our Response
To help minimise the impact on your supply chain, our team is:
- Exploring alternate routings and load ports where possible
- Working closely with our global partner network and shipping lines to secure space
- Proactively communicating any expected delays or changes to transit times
Our Advice
• Plan ahead: Allow additional lead time—especially for European-origin cargo
• Stay flexible: Consider alternative shipping solutions and routings
• Remain informed: We will continue to provide regular updates as the situation evolves
German Inland Transport Update
Germany is dealing with several ongoing and upcoming inland transport disruptions across the country and surrounding regions, which are adding challenges to shippers moving cargo inland and attempting to meet cut offs with port calls that already off schedule due to the congestion issues. These developments are particularly relevant for Australian shipments transiting through key European ports and terminals:
Port & Terminal Restrictions
- Hamburg, Bremerhaven & Antwerp: Temporary delivery restrictions for full container shipments; subject to vessel-specific regulations.
- Rotterdam & Antwerp: Notable slowdowns in multimodal handling operations.
Hamburg-Specific Issues
- Only 24-hour advance acceptance for operated IMO-Reefers at CTB before ERA.
- Construction at the Hamburg Süderelbe triangle will impact rail links from 4th to 8th July 2025, causing delays and possible diversions.
Rail & Road Transport
- Rhinebridge (Düsseldorf–Neuss) closed for heavy lift transports due to renovation work – detour in place.
- DUSS Kornwestheim Terminal: Export containers accepted only with same-day rail loading.
Low Water Levels
- Limited barge capacity at Kaub, Duisburg, and Cologne due to critically low river levels.
Additional Disruptions
- Public Holidays:
- Ascension Day – 29th May 2025
- Pentecost – 9th June 2025
→ Please plan ahead as revised schedules will apply
We strongly recommend coordinating closely with your Key Account Manager to mitigate delays and adjust delivery timelines accordingly.
Sea Freight Market Update
As we move into mid-year, global shipping conditions remain volatile across key trade lanes into Oceania. The following update provides an overview of current capacity, rate trends and challenges across major regions impacting cargo to Australia and New Zealand.
Northeast Asia to Oceania
Market conditions remain mixed. After months of overcapacity and soft demand, space availability is tightening slightly as vessel schedules stabilize.
- Several carriers have announced rate Increases effective after June 15, via a Rate Restoration Announcement to the trade, citing rising costs and equipment imbalances.
- Rates may increase moderately, especially for cargo from South China ports due to vessel removal from the A3S service.
- Empty container availability is tightening as containers are redirected to more profitable trade lanes.
Southeast Asia to Oceania
- Demand out of Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia remains steady but below peak season levels.
- Space is generally available, though select services are being consolidated or skipped to manage vessel utilization.
Europe to Oceania
- Major European ports (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp) are experiencing significant congestion, causing delays in sailings and transshipment bottlenecks.
- Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) have been announced:
- Some carriers have implemented PSS effective June 1.
- Others plan to begin from June 15.
- Quantum varies by carrier, so we encourage clients to contact us directly for tailored rate guidance and service updates.
- Equipment imbalances are being reported, particularly in inland Europe, affecting FCL container pick-ups.
USA to Oceania
- The U.S. East Coast is experiencing increased congestion due to spillover from the China–U.S. rate surge and port scheduling disruptions.
- West Coast services to Oceania remain more reliable but space is tightening.
- Expect longer booking lead times and potential equipment shortages at inland depots.
Recommendations for Clients:
- Book early to secure space, particularly for European and U.S. origin cargo.
- Factor in potential rate increases from Northeast Asia after June 15.
- Take note of Peak Season Surcharges from Europe and reach out for the latest rate guidance.
- Stay in touch with your account manager for live updates on availability and carrier adjustments.
For more information or assistance with your upcoming shipments, please contact our experienced team of Key Account Managers directly. We’re here to help you navigate the evolving market with confidence!
Air Freight Update
The air freight market is predicted to develop as agencies prioritize speedy, dependable transport offerings, driven through e-trade, globalization, and improvements in supply chain technology. However, balancing fee-performance with sustainability may be vital to future fulfillment.
With the rise of on-line purchasing platforms, there may be an increasing demand for rapid delivery offerings, specifically for go-border transactions. E-commerce businesses frequently cater to international clients, requiring green logistics answers provided via air freight. Air freight is ideal for transporting smaller programs and excessive-cost objects, which dominate e-trade orders. Businesses are sourcing raw substances and goods globally, developing the want for immediate and dependable transport answers. To lessen inventory costs, manufacturers depend upon air freight to make sure timely delivery of essential additives.
Capacity growth remains moderate due to various factors affecting carriers, companies, and forwarders due to uncertainty in tariffs and trade policies, e-commerce volatility, and ongoing supply chain constraints.
Conflicts in the Red Sea and Ukraine continue to impact the airfreight market.
Whatever your cargo size, type, or deadline, we deliver the best rate and service combinations to meet your needs.
We have weekly consoles from USA, Europe, China, and South Africa into AU. Please contact our team of supply chain professionals who will continue to provide you with the most competitive options to support your supply chain needs.
Landside Logistics
Hutchison Infrastructure and Ancillary Fee Increase
Earlier this month, Hutchisons Ports provided notification to industry of an intention to increase Landside and storage tariffs effective 9th June 2025.
- Infrastructure Fees for Import containers will increase by 8.63%
- Infrastructure Fees for Export containers will increase by 6.60%
- Sideloader Access fees will increase by 8.24%
- Storage and other handling charges will also increase almost 10%
These increases are indicative of increases experienced in the cost of business including spikes in electricity, maintenance and servicing plus land rental.
Melbourne Empty Park Increases
Some of Melbourne’s empty parks have imposed increases to their empty booking fees this month. Some industry analysis has found that empty container park access charges have increased by 17% nationally over the last 12 months.
Often increases will occur without prior consultation or detailed justification which is a major concern for the freight and logistic industry.
Please engage with your Account Manager to ensure you are up to date with the recent increases.
HACCP Certification achieved at our Horsley Park, Sydney Contract Logistics warehouse.
We are happy to announce that HARDERS Contract Logistics -Horsley Park has successfully achieved Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification, underscoring our commitment to excellence in food safety management. This prestigious certification reinforces our dedication to providing world-class services to our customers.
Global Standards, Local Expertise: With HACCP Certification, our 3PL Warehouse aligns with best-in-class standards for food safety, ensuring that our processes and systems meet the highest benchmarks. Our customers can rest assured knowing that their products are handled with the utmost care.
Enhanced Product Safety: HACCP Certification empowers us to identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards at every stage of the supply chain. This proactive approach ensures that all products stored and distributed from our warehouse maintain the highest standards of safety, reducing the risk of contamination and safeguarding the integrity of your goods.
Assured Compliance: Our HACCP Certification demonstrates our unwavering commitment to compliance with regulatory requirements. By adhering to these stringent standards, we not only mitigate risks but also provide our 3PL customers with peace of mind, knowing that their supply chain partner is dedicated to maintaining the highest level of safety and quality.
Improved Operational Efficiency: HACCP Certification involves a rigorous analysis of our processes, leading to enhanced operational efficiency. By identifying and addressing potential hazards, we streamline our workflows, reduce the likelihood of errors, and optimize our operations to better serve our 3PL customers.
Partnership You Can Trust: Choosing a 3PL partner with HACCP Certification is a strategic move towards building a resilient and reliable supply chain. Our commitment to food safety aligns with your commitment to delivering quality products to your customers, creating a seamless and trustworthy partnership.
At HARDERS, we believe in continuous improvement, and the HACCP Certification is a testament to our dedication to delivering exceptional 3PL services. We look forward to further strengthening our partnerships and continuing to exceed your expectations in every aspect of supply chain management.
