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Ocean and Key Ports Update

To ensure schedule stability and reliability during the upcoming holiday period, Maersk has implemented a series of adjustments on the transatlantic network effective from week 52 of 2025 to week 2 in 2026. Please head to our dedicated advisory page to view these changes and get the latest updates. We encourage customers to book early to secure space and allocations ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.

As we approach the Q4 peak season, demand for special cargo – including oversized, project, and high-value shipments – is expected to rise. To support customers, we are proactively repositioning specialized equipment such as flat racks and open tops across key European ports and hubs. This ensures availability where it’s needed most, helping customers plan confidently and keep supply chains moving smoothly through the year-end rush.

Following China’s Golden Week, exports from Asia to Europe traditionally soften, but this year we have seen demand bouncing back strongly. We recommend customers book early to secure space, and please note that a Peak Season Surcharge will apply from 12th November.

Elsewhere, a new service from Maersk now connects Italy and Tunisia with a transit time of just 2 days and 7 hours via our route from Marina di Carrara to Tunis Rades via Cagliari. This service enhances speed and accessibility between Europe and North Africa, reinforcing the value of agile, reliable supply chains across the Mediterranean. Please reach out to your local Maersk representative for more information.

Key terminals and hubs across the continent continue to show stable performance, with some instances of increased yard density, mainly in Genoa Rebra, Algeciras, and Tangier. Across terminals, customers are asked to collect their import units as quickly as possible to avoid yard disruptions.

New processes are being implemented across ports in Germany and Belgium. German seaports have made changes to the import release process as of 3 November, where a digital autorisation, also known as “secure release order”, has replaced previous PIN-based release system as of 3 November. From September, Maersk has moved on to the “German Ports” community platform to issue pick-up authorisations for our customers. For more information on this change, please click here.

Similarly, all containers arriving in Belgium will soon have to comply with a new customs release process, which includes a transition from the current Import Manifest (CUSCAR) to the Temporary Storage Declaration (TSD) in line with the latest Belgian Customs regulations. To support this transition, Maersk will be using the Inbound Release Platform (IRP) to manage our customs declaration process with the PN/TS system at Belgian Customs. While the exact go-live date is still to be confirmed per terminal, we highly recommend customers make the necessary preparations already. For more information and exact steps on the new TSD process, please visit this page.

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Inland Update

In Switzerland, our teams have worked on streamlining our inland services, and looking at our offering across the country, have made a decision to stop services at Geneva inland depot. As such, the depot will no longer be accepting cargo related to Maersk bookings and we continue to serve our customers through depots in Frenkendorf, Basel, and Birsfelden. For more information, click here.

Planned maintenance works across Slovenian rail infrastructure continue to affect the flow of cargo across the country and particularly to and from the Port of Koper. We’ve previously announced key dates and expected length of maintenance works, and for latest updates on the situation, please visit our dedicated advisory page.

Customers with cargo arriving to German seaports and moving further inland need to adhere to the new container release process implemented across several German seaports as of 3 November. Our teams have worked on implementation of the process throughout the transition period and are already using the “German Ports” platform to issue pic-up authorisations. This process ensures that only one traceable party at any given time is authorised to pick up full import containers from the port, supporting safe and secure supply chains for our customers and the communities in which we operate. Find out more about the new container release process here.

For more information on ways to connect seamlessly with our rail, road, and barge solutions across Europe, please visit our Inland transportation services in Europe.

Air Freight Update

The recent alliance between Liège Airport, Belgium, and Chicago Rockford International Airport, USA – two key hubs in Maersk’s air network – further strengthens our transatlantic offering. This partnership establishes a formal framework to expand freighter operations, enhance digital and operational collaboration, and improve connectivity across the Atlantic trade lane.

With our Own Controlled Flight Operations (OCFO) connecting these strategic hubs, Maersk continues to provide customers with faster, more flexible, and resilient air freight solutions. Please reach out to your Maersk representative to discuss how our transatlantic options can support your business.

Technology remains a key driver of air freight volumes into Europe, and peak sales periods like Black Friday and Christmas mean that this trend is likely to continue in the coming weeks. Our teams are ready to support you through the season – please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.

In global news, direct passenger flights between India and China resumed at the end of October for the first time since 2020. This re-opening is expected to ease pressure on third-country hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong, benefiting the broader network.

Please click here to find helpful information about Maersk Air Cargo and our services to and from Europe.

Customs Update

The European Commission has proposed changes to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), aiming to simplify compliance and extend timelines. Micro and small operators would have until December 2026 to meet obligations, while large and medium companies would need to comply from 30th December 2025, with a six-month grace period for enforcement.

The proposal now awaits formal adoption by the European Parliament and Council before taking effect. Companies should continue to review their supply chain documentation, prepare for adjusted timelines, and monitor legislative developments to ensure readiness. Read more information here and watch the EUDR highlight video here.

Elsewhere, the European Commission has proposed new protective measures for the EU steel industry to counter global overcapacity and support its green transition, as part of the EU Steel and Metals Action Plan. Key actions include reducing tariff-free import quotas by 47%, doubling out-of-quota duties to 50%, and implementing a “Melt and Pour” rule for enhanced traceability.

These steps aim to replace the current safeguard mechanism by June 2026 and align with WTO rules. Companies should prepare for stricter import controls, reassess supply chains, and engage in ongoing policy dialogues to ensure compliance and competitiveness. Find out more on the proposal here.

And finally, the European Commission has also proposed a regulation to safeguard EU farmers under the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement, targeting sensitive sectors like beef, poultry, and sugar. It introduces enhanced monitoring, clear triggers, and rapid response mechanisms to counter harmful import surges or price drops. For companies, this means greater market stability, predictability and reduced risk. Companies in the agri-food and retail sectors should assess supply chain exposure, monitor regulatory developments, and prepare for potential shifts in import conditions or pricing.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Global Trade and Customs Consultants if you require support with your customs operations.

Ecommerce Update

As the Black Friday season kicks off, retailers across Europe brace for one of the most intense and opportunity rich periods of the year. With high consumer expectations and parcel volumes surging, the ability to deliver quickly, reliably, and sustainably becomes a key differentiator.

Sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become the cornerstone of European retail, with reports expecting a 72% parcel surge during Black Friday week across the continent. Many consumers traditionally wait for this moment to purchase electronics, fashion, and seasonal goods, putting an enormous pressure on last-mile networks. The challenge then becomes delivering more and faster without compromising sustainability or customer satisfaction.

Consolidating parcel volumes into optimised trade lanes, especially during peak periods, helps reduce delivery costs through volume bundling, improve delivery speed with pre-routed lanes, and enhance predictability and performance.

Maersk E-Commerce team supports brands, marketplaces, and retailers with a logistics infrastructure tailored to the complexity of European last-mile delivery. Our European parcel network was designed to handle these seasonal peaks with precision through strategic fulfilment centres, multi-carrier routing, real-time tracking, and integrated customs and inland services for cross-border efficiency.

Peak season is a moment of truth for e-commerce. With Maersk E-Commerce, you gain a logistics partner that’s ready. Find out more about how our teams can help provide the best ecommerce delivery solutions for your business by visiting our E-Delivery page.

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