Maersk alerts customers to potential cargo disruptions in East Africa from heavy rainfall and flooding expected from October to December 2026.
Maersk has issued an advisory warning customers of potential disruptions to cargo operations in East Africa due to heavy rainfall and localized flooding expected between October and December 2026. The El Nino-driven rains are forecasted to exceed normal levels, potentially affecting overland transport, port facilities, and terminal operations.
Flooding and damaged road infrastructure could restrict access to ports, terminals, depots, and inland distribution points. This may lead to delays in cargo transit, temporary closures of certain transport corridors, and increased truck turnaround times. Reduced fleet availability and traffic congestion could further compromise delivery operations. Export shipments are particularly at risk of missing cut-off times and bookings if cargo cannot be delivered to terminals on schedule.
Heavy rainfall may slow or temporarily suspend terminal activities, affecting yard productivity and vessel loading and unloading. Container yards could experience increased congestion as import and export containers accumulate. Longer vessel dwell times and delays in container retrieval are also expected, complicating cargo movements.
Maersk advises customers to incorporate additional lead time into their transport schedules, especially for flood-prone areas or time-sensitive shipments. Export cargo should be delivered to terminals earlier than usual to avoid delays caused by road conditions. Accurate and timely submission of shipping instructions and customs documentation is essential.
For import cargo, Maersk recommends prioritizing customs clearance and prompt collection. Customers should verify road conditions and consignee readiness before arranging final-mile transport. Time-sensitive or temperature-controlled shipments should involve early coordination with Maersk representatives to assess transport needs.
The advisory is supported by meteorological data indicating intensified El Nino conditions, expected to peak by late 2026. Forecasts from the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre highlight a high likelihood of above-normal rainfall across much of East Africa, with cumulative precipitation in some areas exceeding 400 millimeters.
While no widespread disruptions have been declared, Maersk is monitoring the situation closely. Customers are encouraged to stay informed about local weather developments and operational updates. Proactive planning and contingency measures will be crucial to mitigating potential delays as conditions evolve.
