Maersk Europe Market Update – March 2025
In response to recent tariffs imposed by the United States government on certain EU commodities, the European Union has initiated countermeasures aimed at safeguarding European businesses, workers, and consumers. The future impact of these measures on demand and sourcing between the two regions remains uncertain, particularly given the rapidly evolving landscape.
Maersk is committed to closely monitoring these developments and collaborating with customers to mitigate any potential disruptions. Regular updates will be provided, and stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the global tariffs advisory page for the latest information.
In Northern Europe, the Hutchinson Ports Delta II terminal in Rotterdam has returned to full operational productivity following a month of reduced activity due to ongoing negotiations between terminal management and workers. Although a tentative agreement has been reached, a timeline for the agreement’s ratification has not been determined.
Maersk teams are actively reviewing upcoming schedules and contingencies to ensure smooth operations moving forward. Meanwhile, Bremerhaven is experiencing delays in service arrivals due to adverse weather conditions.
The vessel lineup has been adjusted for week 12 accordingly. In Antwerp, terminals remain congested due to phased vessel plans and late arrivals.
Customers are urged to expedite the pickup of their import units after discharge to alleviate pressure on the terminals. In Southern Europe, yard density at Port Said in Egypt and the Port of Tangier in Morocco is increasing.
This trend is anticipated to persist throughout March in Port Said, prompting Maersk to implement measures for yard stability. In Tangier, the heightened density results from several service rollovers and a significant number of reefer discharges expected in week 12.
Inland operations in Rotterdam have been affected by the earlier slowdown at Hutchinson Ports Delta II. However, full terminal operations have resumed, and contingency plans for week 13 are under review.
Furthermore, an inland barge incident in Antwerp has led to the suspension of marine traffic as damage assessments are conducted; traffic is anticipated to resume in week 12.