Rotterdam, Hamburg congestion grows as Maersk adds own surcharge

MAERSK says it will levy a EUR80 (US$107) congestion surcharge per on-truck container in and out of Hamburg from August 14, citing the impact of traffic jams and dwell times.

The additional cost for truckers will be on top of the EUR40 congestion charge for loads within Hamburg and EUR80 for loads beyond the city limits.

Hamburg and Rotterdam appear hobbled as increased seasonal volumes are discharged in sudden bursts because new larger ships are coming in greater numbers.

A month ago Hapag-Lloyd dropped Rotterdam from its four-ship Europe-Asia Loop 4 service, operated with G6 partners, said Lloyd's List, adding that will instead use Antwerp's PSA Deurganck Terminal.

Dutch barge operator Contargo has been levying a EUR15 per box congestion surcharge for Rotterdam and Team Lines adds a 75 per cent surcharge for the Port of Hamburg. 

In June, Rotterdam was suffering from congestion while upgrades were being made at ECT's Delta Terminal as five new quay cranes were added. Contargo and Hamburg feeder Team Lines say that since mid-April there has been increasing dwell times of 50-90 hours.