Maersk has warned customers of ongoing operational disruptions at its Rotterdam terminal following last week’s intense heat wave across Europe, according to ShippingWatch.
The shipping giant said in its monthly newsletter that the extreme temperatures led to staff shortages and reduced cargo handling efficiency at its Rotterdam operations. “In Rotterdam, the heat wave has recently resulted in temporary port disruptions and a loss of productivity,” Maersk stated, as reported by ShippingWatch. The company added that the disruptions have reduced handling efficiency and are expected to cause short-term delays and schedule adjustments across affected services.
Antwerp is also experiencing knock-on effects, though for a different reason. According to ShippingWatch, a shortage of pilots in the Belgian port has contributed to additional disruptions there.
Extreme Heat Behind the Delays
The disruptions stem from a heat wave that swept across Europe last week, pushing temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal and breaking several heat records, ShippingWatch reports. Citing weather service AccuWeather, the outlet noted that Rotterdam recorded a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius on June 26.
As a result of the combined pressures in both ports, Maersk is advising customers moving cargo through Rotterdam and Antwerp to build additional buffer time into their logistics planning to help absorb potential delays, according to ShippingWatch.
Does This Matter to You?
For those relying on Rotterdam or Antwerp as key transit or discharge points, these disruptions could translate into schedule uncertainty in the near term. Reduced handling efficiency at one of Europe’s busiest container hubs can ripple through connecting services, affecting vessel turnaround times and potentially bunkering schedules tied to port calls.
The pilot shortage in Antwerp adds a separate layer of complexity, as pilotage availability directly affects how quickly vessels can enter or leave port. Anyone coordinating cargo movements, vessel calls, or fuel deliveries through either port may want to factor in extra time until Maersk indicates conditions have normalized.
The source material does not specify a timeline for resolution, so the duration of these disruptions remains unclear.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch
