Rail operations across key intermodal routes in Italy are expected to face significant disruptions over the summer months due to scheduled maintenance and construction work. Meanwhile, in Germany, operators are bracing themselves for rail disruptions in July, affecting both freight transport and access to key ports.
In Italy, disruptions will affect rail freight services to and from major ports, particularly Genoa, La Spezia, and Livorno, on the north-west coast, resulting in reduced capacity, rerouted trains, and complete suspensions on certain lines, Kuehne+Nagel informed customers in a service update.
According to local operators, the complete closure of the Bologna-Padova railway line, in northern Italy, scheduled for 7-9 June, will limit freight operations.
From 1 June to 20 July and from 30 August to 28 September, the Milan–Genoa line will be reduced to a single track. Trains to and from all of Genoa’s ports will be limited to daytime operations only, resulting in reduced freight capacity.
The rail line between Milan and Trieste, another major Italian port on the northern Adriatic coast, will be fully suspended on certain days in July and August.
🇮🇹 Italy: Disruptions and dates
- Bologna–Padova line
Complete closure: 7–9 June
Impact: Full suspension of freight traffic on this major north-Italian artery. - Milan–Genoa line
Single-track operation: 1 June – 20 July and 30 August – 28 September
Impact: Daytime-only train operations to/from Genoa ports, with reduced freight capacity. - Milan–Trieste line
Full suspension: Select days in July and August
Impact: Disruptions to Adriatic port flows; full details pending confirmation by local operators.
A mess in Germany
Turning to Germany, significant rail disruption is expected next month, affecting both freight transport and access to key ports. Extensive construction work has necessitated closures that will impact operations across several routes and terminals.
Between 29 June and 4 July, daytime traffic on the Elbtal section between Bad Schandau and Pirna will be completely halted from 8:50 am to 6:50 pm. Nighttime operations will be restricted to regular, scheduled trains, with alternative diversion routes limited by line capacity and train weight and length parameters. This may result in delays and reduced cargo volumes.
The closures on the Elbtal will specifically disrupt freight trains to the Czech Republic, Hungary and neighbouring landlocked countries. As a result, shipment delays to this region are to be expected.
Due to construction work taking place between 4 and 8 July, rail access to Hamburg’s Waltershof station will be completely closed. This will affect operations at the Port of Hamburg’s Altenwerder, Burchardkai and Eurogate terminals with the cancellation of all train services during this period. Accumulated volumes at these terminals post-closure may lead to extended handling times.
Estimates suggest that during these closures, between 13,500 and 20,000 TEU of imports and up to 15,000 TEU of exports will be affected.
🇩🇪 Germany: Disruptions and dates
- Elbtal section (Bad Schandau–Pirna)
Daytime closure: 29 June – 4 July, from 8:50 am to 6:50 pm
Nighttime limits: Only regular scheduled trains allowed
Impact: Disruptions to freight bound for the Czech Republic, Hungary, and other landlocked Central European countries. Diversion options are constrained. - Hamburg Waltershof station
Complete closure: 4–8 July
Terminals affected: Altenwerder, Burchardkai, Eurogate
Impact: All rail services cancelled; post-closure backlogs expected due to high container volumes.
Estimated volume affected
- 13,500–20,000 TEU of import freight
- Up to 15,000 TEU of exports
Port congestion strains operations further
In a related development, a recent report by market analysts Drewry highlighted significant congestion across key maritime ports in Northern Europe, including Bremerhaven, Antwerp, and Hamburg, with an increase in berth waiting times for ships.
This has been attributed to shifting ocean shipping alliances, fragmented deliveries, and limited terminal capacity, which is straining logistics networks and delaying goods across Europe.