Maersk Europe Market Update - June 2025

4 六月 2025

Crane operator standing on a crane with a view on the terminal.

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Ocean and Key Ports Update

The phase-in of our East-West network is now complete, with over 340 vessels now operating within the network. The latest Sea-Intel reliability reports of the phase-in period show Gemini Cooperation recorded 90.7% schedule reliability across all arrivals in April/May. Find out more about how our East-West network provides critical stability, and enhances resilience and reliability in the latest video with Sonny Wilkens Dahl, Global Head of Operations for Ocean, Inland, and Air at Maersk.

The world continues to see an increase in tariffs and legislation activity impacting global trade. To find the latest information on changes in 2025, and guidance on where to find support and answers, please head to our global tariffs page.

Looking at terminals in the north of Europe, we are seeing an increase in yard density across Rotterdam and Antwerp. To help alleviate pressure on the terminals, particularly Antwerp where deliveries and pickups are affected by the yard density, customers are kindly asked to pick up their import units as soon as possible after discharge.

Maersk containers at a terminal before being loaded on a vessel.

In Bremerhaven, the terminal has experienced a sharp and unexpected decline in labour availability during Easter period, Whit Monday, and Ascension Day holidays. Although seasonal variations are accounted for in our planning, the scale of this year’s reduction has exceeded forecasts, which has meant that we have had to extend our contingency measures through the end of May. As part of these measures, AE5 services were temporarily extended from Bremerhaven to Nordic terminals, until the situation returns to normal. Our teams remained in close contact with terminal operators to do everything possible to manage the situation and reduce delays, however some cargo impact was unavoidable. For more information, please head to our advisory page.

From week 23 to week 26 our NeoSamba service, part of our North-South trade coverage in the UK, will divert from London Gateway to Southampton Port. We are implementing this temporary change with the goal of avoiding congesting activities and believe that by making this adjustment, we can offer more supply chain reliability for cargo on these routes. To find out more about this temporary change, please click here.

In the south of Europe, terminal in Rijeka is experiencing an increase in yard density, while other terminals like Tangier are expecting to see the same trend in the coming weeks. Our teams are keeping a close eye on the situation at all terminals and prepared to implement contingency plans, should they become necessary. We would like to kindly ask customers to pick up their import containers as soon as possible after discharge to support heathy yard density and terminal operations.

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Air Freight Update

Recent reports show European air freight activity continued its upward trajectory in at the start of the year, with the rise in exports driven primarily by Western Europe. The demand for European goods in North America continues to grow, judging by Transatlantic air freight growth. However, exports to the Middle East and South Asia show a slight dip at the start of the year.

Maersk Air Cargo plane on a tarmac waiting for cargo loading.

Ongoing tariff announcements and looming unknowns have made planning air freight shipments more challenging for businesses. To find the latest information on changes in 2025, and guidance on where to find support and answers, please head to our global tariffs page.

Temperature-controlled goods continue to dominate air freight volumes. Particularly fresh fish from Norway continues to see a strong demand, especially into destinations in Asia Pacific. To find out more about how temperature-controlled air freight works for a leading salmon producer, read through our case study.

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

Inland Update

As of 2 June, every export container entering the Le Havre Terminal in France is required to have a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) as a condition for gate-in. These instructions come directly from the port authorities, and promote safety across the industry, including for our customers and their cargo, landside personnel and subsequently our employees and vessels. The submission of a VGM can be done via My Maersk portal, EDI message for sending shipping instructions, or service portals such as INTTRA. For more information on submitting VGM information, please click here.

In May, we announced that due to congestions in Rotterdam and Antwerp, we will be implementing an Inland Peak Surcharge (IPI/IPE) across all inland transport modes via the two ports. This surcharge allows us to secure the needed capacity in the market and minimise disruptions to your supply chains and will remain in place throughout June. Find out more about the Inland Peak Surcharge and how it is applied to bookings on this advisory page.

As part of our regular rate review, we are revising import and export Combined Detention and Storage for Italy as of 1st July 2025. The new standard terms can be found on Italy local information pages.

Starting 1 July, copies of CMR documents in Poland will be issued with a 25 EUR fee per document. A copy of this document is available at the customer’s side before cargo pick-up, therefore obtaining a copy of this document is not a requirement for inland transportation. We understand customers may want to keep a copy for their records - however this requires additional manual work from our teams and the mentioned fee will help ensure we can provide a consistent level of service. To find out more, please click 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.

Customs Update

The European Union has introduced its most comprehensive sanctions package against Russia, targeting critical sectors including energy, defence, shipping, and dual-use goods. With over 2,400 individuals and entities now sanctioned, businesses face increased compliance obligations - particularly those involved in oil transport, high-tech components, or trade with listed entities. To mitigate legal and financial risks, businesses should closely monitor their supply chains, update screening protocols, and consult the latest TARIC database. Read more on the EU sanctions package against Russia.

The European Commission has released a consolidated list of valid Classification Regulations aligned with the 2025 Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes. This update aims to reduce classification errors and administrative burdens by ensuring goods are declared under the correct and current codes. Businesses are encouraged to review the updated list to ensure continued compliance and reduce confusion caused by outdated resources. Find the consolidated list of Classification Regulations here.

Woman sitting at a computer working on customs declarations

The European Parliament has approved key simplifications to the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), including a 50-tonne exemption threshold and streamlined reporting requirements. These changes are expected to ease compliance for around 90% of importers, particularly SMEs.

However, logistics providers have raised concerns about potential legal liabilities under current representation rules, urging lawmakers to adopt a more balanced framework as the legislation heads into final negotiations.

The EU has expanded the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) to simplify VAT compliance for e-commerce businesses selling low-value goods (up to €150) to EU consumers. This change reduces the need for multiple VAT registrations across member states and facilitates faster customs clearance and delivery. Streamlining VAT compliance will cut administrative burdens and ensure faster customs clearance and delivery, making e-commerce more competitive, particularly for SMEs. Find more information on new VAT rules for e-commerce imports here.

Ecommerce Update

As e-commerce continues to evolve, returns management is becoming a key area of focus for retailers across Europe. With rising customer expectations and increasing complexity in reverse logistics, businesses are rethinking their approach to returns - not just as a cost centre, but as a strategic differentiator.

Several trends are emerging as key in 2025 and beyond, powered by data, AI, and consumer demands. Virtual try-on tools and AI-powered fit recommendations, combined with the usage of returns data to improve product listings will help reduce returns due to sizing and style mismatches, and improve customer satisfaction and retention. With growing pressure from consumers and regulators, businesses are prioritising more sustainable returns processes - such as localised returns, circular logistics, and carbon tracking. For faster and more flexible return options in cities, parcel locker drop-offs continue to gain traction.

Our carrier and hub network helps us provide consistent service levels across Europe, as well as implement practices like local returns and smart routing, in combination with real-time tracking and carbon reporting.

Whether you’re already working with our teams or exploring new logistics partners, now is the time to revisit your returns strategy. With our global network, digital capabilities, and commitment to innovation, we’re here to help you turn returns into a competitive advantage.

Find out more about how our teams can help provide the best ecommerce delivery solutions for your business by visiting our E-Delivery page.