Maersk Europe Market Update - October 2025

1 十月 2025

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Ocean and Key Ports Update

The Golden Week National Holiday period in China – running from 1st to 7th October 2025 – sees widespread factory closures and reduced port and customs operations, which typically leads to disruption across the network. Maersk is looking to minimise the impact of Golden Week on our customers and has made a series of adjustments from Far East Asia to Europe services. Please click here to view the changes and reach out to your local Maersk representative if you have any questions.

Elsewhere, Maersk is looking to mitigate ongoing challenges through the Adriatic Sea with a temporary adjustment to the AE12 service. The current service calls Koper before Rijeka Gateway, but will now call Rijeka ahead of Koper until further notice. Find more details here.

In north Europe, our teams in Germany are working closely with customers and port authorities on implementation of new container release process - Secure Release Order. This new process - mandated by law for Hamburg and Bremerhaven with effect from 1 October 2025 - will replace the existing PIN-based release system with a digital authorisation. This 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. Starting 15th October 2025, a German Ports ID will be mandatory to obtain a release. We strongly encourage all our customers and vendors to register on the “German Ports” platform as soon as possible. For further questions and assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Maersk representative.

Koper terminal in Slovenia continues to see rail constraints due to Slovenian railway infrastructure works until the end of the year. We’ve previously communicated the planned maintenance works and continue to publish updates as the works continue. For more information, please visit the advisory page.

Approaching colder months, strong winds are expected around north Europe that could affect operations for intermittent periods and at short notice. Our teams continue to closely monitor the situation across all terminals and make adjustments when and where needed. Should any changes occur to your cargo, you can receive notifications by signing up for ETA notifications.

Inland Update

As mentioned in the Ocean update, starting 1 October, the German Ports Secure Release Order process will go live. This means that for cargo arriving to German seaports, a German Ports ID will be mandatory to obtain a release before cargo can continue its onward inland journey. Between 1st October and 14th October 2025, as part of a soft launch, Maersk will exceptionally continue to process releases based on carrier-generated PIN numbers, in line with the existing procedure. Starting 15 October, the digital Secure Release Order process (PIN-free release) will be the only way containers can be released. We strongly encourage all our customers and vendors to register on the “German Ports” platform as soon as possible to be well prepared and avoid potential delays and related costs. Find out more details on this advisory page.

Maersk blue container being loaded on a truck

On a similar note, in the Port of Poti, our teams are implementing changes related to the release of Maersk import containers. Starting September, all Maersk import containers arriving at the Port of Poti will be released on a haulage basis strictly for further use and inland transportation by the customers in full compliance with Maersk’s Sanctions Policy, including all applicable EU, U.S., and UN sanctions and export control regulations.

Container haulage will be permitted only to destinations where Maersk maintains active operations and where such transport is fully compliant with Maersk’s global compliance standards.

We would also like to point out that Maersk expressly prohibits the unauthorized reuse of its containers for the carriage of any cargo not originally contracted under a Maersk-issued Bill of Lading. For more details and applicable Sanctions Policies, please click here.

Elsewhere in Slovenia, the scheduled works on rail infrastructure around the Port of Koper continue to impact operations and cargo flows. While yard density levels remain high, the railway throughput has improved in the past weeks. As the ongoing rail works and closures are expected to continue to impact the network until the end of the year, we kindly ask customers for cooperation in sending all orders and documents well in advance. For more information and latest updates, please visit this advisory page.

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

According to WACD, global air freight demand grew 5.5% year-on-year in July, signalling a slight cooling after strong momentum earlier in the summer. European markets continue to see balanced flows, with stable utilisation levels and no major deviation from seasonal norms. Space availability and rates remain stable on most trade lanes.

Maersk Air Cargo Boeing 767 being loaded with cargo

Growth has largely been driven by surging e-commerce and the need for rapid delivery of high-value goods like fashion, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. We are seeing more businesses adopting digital tools such as real-time data exchange, AI-powered planning, and robotic automation to enhance speed and reliability in order to meet changing consumer expectations. Read more about this trend and how the air freight market is evolving with new technology here.

Operationally, seasonal pressures are expected to build in the coming months. Golden Week in China traditionally tightens Asia–Europe lanes, while peak season activity may further increase congestion risks.

These developments highlight the importance of proactive planning, and we advise customers to book early to secure space on their most important trade lanes.

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

Customs Update

The European Commission has announced a major update to the EU Dual-Use Export Control List, tightening oversight of sensitive technologies in line with the 2024 export control strategy. Newly added categories include quantum technologies, semiconductor equipment, advanced computing, additive manufacturing, and biotech tools, alongside revised technical definitions. Following a two-month Council and Parliament review, companies should assess their portfolios, update compliance systems, and engage with supply chain partners to prepare for licensing and reporting obligations.

On climate policy, the European Parliament has approved a simplification package for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Key changes include an exemption for imports under 50 tonnes annually and streamlined rules for emissions reporting and verification. The reform is intended to reduce compliance burdens and close loopholes, pending final Council approval. Businesses are advised to recheck import volumes, clarify roles with customs intermediaries, and anticipate further sectoral reviews in 2026.

In trade relations, the EU has moved to implement the EU-US Joint Statement on automotive tariffs, cutting US duties on EU car exports from 27.5% to 15% retroactive to 1st August 2025. The change has already saved exporters over €500 million in a single month.

Wider tariff relief is expected across industrial goods, seafood, and processed lobster, with further categories under discussion. Exporters should adapt pricing strategies and coordinate closely with customs teams.

Elsewhere, France confirmed that Regime 42 will end for non-EU companies from January 2026. This VAT simplification, which allowed duty-free movement of imports within the EU, will be replaced by mandatory French VAT registration, returns, and potentially full fiscal representation. Affected businesses should reassess import flows, prepare for VAT compliance, and evaluate alternative EU entry points such as the Netherlands or Belgium.

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 we approach peak ecommerce season in Europe, online retailers and carriers alike are making preparations in expectation of an increase in parcel volumes. Some service providers have announced peak season fees and surcharges starting from mid-October and expected to last until mid-January. The average fee, and the length of time it is applied for, will vary depending on service provider and country.

Customers are used to planning their ocean shipments well in advance ahead of peak seasons, and we encourage them to do the same for their last mile deliveries and fulfilment services. Sharing their volume forecasts with our teams will help in planning for additional capacity during high demand times. Our teams are already looking into securing additional lanes and delivery slots with carriers across our network. Having access to customers’ volume estimates will help ensure our teams are securing the right capacity in the markets where it is needed, consequently reducing delays and supporting smooth deliveries.

Being close to the end markets and final consumers helps ensure faster delivery times, lower costs, and learning more about local behaviours. However, companies that are not ready to make that step can make use of expedited shipments and last mile solutions from Europe to Europe.

Out-of-home deliveries, specifically parcel lockers, continue to gain traction with large players in the market. Parcel lockers offer the unique proposition of being available 24/7, ensuring consumers can reach their parcels at a time that is best suited to their needs, ultimately improving their shopping experience. While parcel lockers offer the convenience many consumers need, a combination with other out-of-home delivery methods through multi-carrier solutions will provide the most extensive coverage and access to markets at a lower cost.

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