The cold wave that hit logistics operations in the Netherlands and Germany has subsided. In the past days, companies have turned to clearing the backlog following the many disruptions. That process is not yet over. Congestion will persist in the near future.
Based on information provided by rail operator METRANS, most rail infrastructure is operational. Despite that, congestion persists and much freight is still waiting to be transported.
METRANS explains that it has been unable to achieve planned capacities in all ports in northern Germany, including Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven. Hamburg terminals are operating with delays of several hours. There are also cancellations without replacement slots.
Both exports and imports through the German ports are disrupted. This is due to traffic restrictions imposed by the German infrastructure manager DB InfraGO and the continued disruption of train circulation in the region. Additionally, METRANS explains that all services passing through Germany and Rotterdam remain affected.
The cold has not yet left Poland
The winter weather remains present further east, in the Polish port city of Gdańsk. Ice is causing delays of 12-15 hours. The BalticHub terminal has reduced the number of truck slots by 70%, which has a negative impact on container transportation between Gdańsk and the neighbouring port city Gdynia.