Maersk warns of congestion in European ports and the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on supply chains

International logistics

Shipping company Maersk has published its June 2026 market report, which analyzes the main logistical challenges in Europe. The report highlights the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, congestion at key ports such as Rotterdam and Hamburg, and the implementation of new environmental regulations in the UK.

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The container shipping company Maersk has published its market update for Europa corresponding to June 2026, an analysis that highlights the main areas of tension and opportunities for the global supply chain. The report addresses everything from geopolitical instability in Oriente Medio up to operational congestion in strategic ports in the north of Europa, offering a guide for foreign trade managers.

Uncertainty in maritime transport and new strategic routes

According to the analysis of Maersk, the situation in Oriente Medio It remains unpredictable. Despite reports of a possible peace agreement between Irán y EEUUThe attacks persist and the browsing conditions in the Estrecho de Ormuz They show no signs of significant improvement. The Danish shipping company reiterates that its priority is the safety of its personnel, assets, and customers' cargo, maintaining operations with the utmost caution in the region.

In a move to strengthen connectivity and offer more reliable alternatives, Maersk has launched a new service connecting the north of Europa with Italia y EgiptoThe service, called Baltic Sea – SLA, directly links the following ports:

• Gdansk (Poland)
• Bremerhaven (Germany)
• Génova (Vado Ligure, Italy)
• Port Said y Alejandría (Egypt)

This new corridor is looking for "Reduce dependence on indirect routes, shorten transit times, and offer greater reliability compared to more complex alternatives.", as the report details, opening a direct route to Egipto and the Mediterráneo Oriental.

Congestion at key terminals and new regulations in the UK

The report of Maersk It also focuses on operational challenges in several European ports. Terminals such as those in Róterdam, Bremerhaven y Hamburgo They are experiencing high density in their hazardous materials yards. The shipping company is asking customers to prioritize the collection of these units to avoid further congestion.

En Bélgica, the terminals of Amberes They face potential disruptions due to strong winds, while in the Países Bajosthe conditions in Róterdam They are especially critical due to high yard utilization, reduced crane availability, and long waiting times for barges and feeders.

At a regulatory level, a significant change for supply chains connected to the Reino Unido It is the extension of its Emissions Trading Scheme to domestic shipping, which will come into force on July 1, 2026.

New environmental regulations in the United Kingdom.

Regulatory	Country	Effective date	Social Impact
UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS)	Reino Unido	July 1, 2026	Application to domestic maritime transport, affecting planning and costs.

Logistics services update: rail, air and pharmaceutical

In the field of land logistics, rail operations from Hamburgo y Bremerhaven They are affected by improvement works on the German rail network. These capacity limitations are causing delays and reducing flexibility in domestic connections. Maersk advises its clients "Plan with extra time for rail movements and consider alternative options".

As to air freight, instability in Oriente Medio continues to affect services between Asia y EuropaAlthough data from WorldACD They suggest a slow recovery; cancellations and diversions have led to a reduction in available space. Maersk has deployed multimodal and air solutions using stable hubs outside the region of Golfo to maintain the flow of goods.

Finally, the company is expanding its specialized capabilities for the pharmaceutical sector with the introduction of a controlled aerial network between Europa y EEUUThis solution, which complies with GDP (Good Distribution Practices) requirements, is designed for both passive and active pharmaceutical shipments, guaranteeing end-to-end temperature control. The shipping company plans to extend this network to the route Europa China later this year.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the logistics situation in Europe in June 2026

How does congestion in northern European ports affect Spanish exporters?

Congestion at key hubs such as Róterdam o Hamburgo This can cause cascading delays for Spanish goods transshipped through these ports to intercontinental destinations. This necessitates more thorough planning and consideration of alternative routes, such as those connecting directly to the Mediterráneoto mitigate possible delays.

What practical measures should companies take in response to logistical delays?

Companies must increase communication with their logistics providers, plan shipments further in advance to create a time buffer, and, if they have hazardous goods at the aforementioned ports, expedite their collection to avoid additional costs and help decongest the terminals. Diversifying routes and modes of transport is also a key strategy.

What does the extension of the UK ETS to maritime transport mean for trade with the United Kingdom?

The inclusion of maritime transport in the Emissions Trading Scheme of Reino Unido (UK ETS) from 1 July 2026 will entail an additional cost associated with carbon emissions for routes originating in, destined for, or stopping at British ports. Exporters and importers will need to factor this additional cost into their pricing structures and financial planning to remain competitive.