Freight to Europe: Suez Partially Reopens, Rhine Capacity Falls
Maersk is rerouting selected Asia–Europe services through the Suez Canal, but has not announced the full return of its network to this route. At the same time, pressure at northern European ports, restrictions on navigation on the Rhine and rail freight strikes in Italy are increasing the risk of irregular last-mile handovers.
Prepared by the CargoNice editorial team with AI support, based on the sources listed and CargoNice's own market data. Machine translation of the Polish original. Editorial policy · Read the Polish original
- 1,99 EUR/kmPoland→Germany spot rate
- 2 328,00 EUR/1000LDiesel in Germany
- 7,05 PLN/lOrlen diesel price
- 334 800Eurowag active trucks
Market today in figures (CargoNice data)
The Orlen diesel price is 7,05 PLN/l, according to the reading from 10 September 2026, while the change versus the previous reading is +0,02 PLN/l. In Poland, the average diesel price in the European comparison stands at 1 982,04 EUR/1000L as of 7 September 2026; in Germany, it is 2 328,00 EUR/1000L for the same date. The spot rate on the Poland→Germany route is 1,99 EUR/km as of 7 September 2026, while the load-to-truck ratio is 5,70 loads/truck.
Fuel costs remain a significant factor in calculations, while the lower rate on the Poland→Germany route and the stable vehicle availability ratio limit the scope for passing disruption costs on to road freight.
Suez returns only on selected Asia–Europe services
Maersk announced on 9 September that the AE19 and AE15 services would transit the Suez Canal instead of sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. The decision followed a security assessment. For loads from Asia bound for European ports, this may mean changes to vessel arrival schedules and further planning of inland transport.
The shipping line clearly stresses, however, that these are targeted decisions rather than a general return of the entire East–West network to the Suez route. The security situation remains subject to change, and further decisions will be communicated to customers as they are made.
In practice, the market may simultaneously handle loads with different transit times, depending on the service assigned. This increases the risk of uneven arrivals at terminals, as well as changes in demand for container collection and feeder transport.
German ports and the Rhine under pressure
In its 9 September update, Maersk stated that recent industrial action at German terminals had increased pressure in Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven. According to the shipping line, congestion, demand and operational restrictions are tightening availability on some northern European and Mediterranean services.
Low water levels on the Rhine in Germany and the Netherlands are an additional problem for the port hinterland. Maersk says this is reducing barge capacity and complicating the handling of inland terminals. The shipping line recommends booking earlier, preparing accurate volume forecasts and ensuring the efficient collection of import containers.
For operators planning deliveries through German port gateways, confirmations of terminal schedules, inland handovers and barge-based plans are becoming crucial. Road transport may be needed as a substitute, but it should be priced with the risk of equipment and handling delays included.
Rail freight strikes in Italy
Italy's strike register includes a 24-hour strike by DB Cargo Italia employees in Lombardy on 10 September 2026. The event affects a region that is crucial for rail and intermodal flows serving northern Italy and cross-border connections.
The register also lists action by Captrain Italia classified as national freight transport. The strike begins on 10 September 2026 at 16:01 and ends on 11 September 2026 at 16:00. Train departures, terminal acceptance deadlines and handovers to the rail network on the Italian side are at risk.
For transport orders to Italy, unchanged collection time slots and fixed rail delivery times should not be assumed. Departures, terminal cut-offs and road transport availability must be confirmed before a delivery date is promised to the customer.
Source: Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport
In brief
- The Netherlands: The daily summaries of court rulings dated 9 September recorded the insolvency of TTLS Europe B.V. of Waalwijk and Crossover Logistics Europe B.V. of Rotterdam. Both companies were classified as operating in warehousing and transport support services. Counterparties should urgently verify receivables, custody of the goods and the authority to subcontract. Source: FaillissementsDossier.nl
- Czechia and the European market: Eurowag reported net revenue of 179,5 mln EUR for the first half of 2026, up 10,7% year on year. Net revenue from road toll services increased by 26%, the number of active trucks reached 334 800, and the Netherlands became the fourteenth country covered by the company's EETS licence. Source: Eurowag