January 13, 2026
Recently, many parts of Northern and Western Europe have experienced prolonged periods of extreme winter weather, with blizzards, low temperatures, and icy conditions causing widespread disruptions to European ports and inland transport systems. Various modes of transport, including sea, rail, road, and inland waterway shipping, have been affected to varying degrees, with some key ports experiencing operational shutdowns or significant reductions in efficiency.
Several international logistics and shipping companies have issued operational warnings, reminding shippers to pay attention to port congestion, cargo handling delays, and the risk of short-term freight rate increases.
The Overall Impact of Extreme Weather on European Supply Chains
Severe weather has caused the following logistical problems in many European countries:
Port and terminal operations have been delayed, with some terminals experiencing temporary shutdowns.
Railway and road transport efficiency has decreased, with some road sections closed.
Availability of cargo loading/unloading bays and storage yards has decreased.
Inland transport and port connections have been disrupted, leading to supply chain congestion.
Currently, the impact has covered several major ports in Northern and Western Europe and is expected to continue in the short term, putting pressure on shipping timeliness and logistics costs.
Updates on Operations at Major German Ports
Port of Hamburg
Since January 3rd, port operations have been significantly affected:
Eurogate Terminal: Water and land operations were temporarily suspended.
CTA Terminal: Water operations have resumed, but overall efficiency remains low; rail and road transport have resumed, but the pace is limited.
CTT Terminal: Rail and road transport remain suspended; water operations continue but at a slow pace.
Wilhelmshaven
Eurogate Terminal: Cargo operations have experienced minor disruptions; no complete shutdown has been implemented.
Bremerhaven
Eurogate and NTB Terminals: Both reported reduced operational efficiency, but no complete shutdown has been implemented.
Port Operations in the Netherlands and Belgium
Port of Rotterdam
ECT Delta Terminal: Operations have been completely suspended; the resumption time has not yet been announced.
Port authorities advise truck drivers to avoid the terminal to prevent traffic and congestion.
Port of Antwerp (Antwerp)
Shipping company notices indicate a decline in overall port operational efficiency.
Temporary operational suspensions may occur at some terminals.
Delays are expected for vessels and cargo transiting through this port.
Potential Impact on the Shipping Market and Freight Rates
Amidst declining port efficiency and limited capacity turnover, some shipping companies have already anticipated market changes:
Increased risk of shipping delays
Decreased overall turnover efficiency on European routes
Short-term capacity shortages
Some routes plan to increase freight rates or surcharges starting from the 15th.
For shippers involved in imports and exports to Europe, it is crucial to pay close attention to destination port congestion and the latest rate adjustment notices from carriers.
Practical Advice for Shippers and Cross-Border Sellers
Communicate with carriers or freight forwarders in advance.
Confirm shipping schedules, terminal status, and the risk of port skipping or rescheduling.
Allow reasonable delivery buffer periods.
Especially for time-sensitive or high-value goods, it is recommended to appropriately extend the expected delivery time.
Monitor Freight Rates and Surcharges
Including port congestion surcharges, peak season surcharges, and temporary handling fees.
Assess Multi-Port or Multi-Mode Transportation Solutions
Where conditions permit, consider diverting traffic to other European ports or combining rail and road transport.
Industry Observation Summary
While the current disruptions to European port operations caused by extreme weather are a temporary factor, their impact on shipping efficiency and logistics costs cannot be ignored. Given the current global supply chain adjustment cycle, short-term disturbances are more likely to amplify market volatility.
For foreign trade companies and cross-border sellers operating in the European market, advance planning, information transparency, and flexible transportation solutions will be key to coping with uncertainty.
