Maersk Extends Rail Limits at Rotterdam Terminal
Reduced rail capacity at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II will now last until June 2027, later than previously advised.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Transportation
Maersk has confirmed that reduced rail capacity at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam will continue until the end of June 2027. The company had previously advised customers that the constraints would end in January 2027.
Why it matters
The extended timeline means shippers relying on rail connections through Rotterdam, one of Europe's major container gateways, face limited rail capacity for a longer period. Customers must plan alternative transport arrangements for affected cargo flows.
Rail availability at the terminal is now expected to remain constrained until the end of June 2027, according to Maersk's latest update. The source does not quantify the reduction in rail capacity or the volume of cargo affected.
The players
Maersk
A Danish shipping company and one of the world's largest container shipping lines, operating a global network of vessels and terminals.
APM Terminals
A global container terminal operator owned by the A.P. Moller-Maersk group, running port facilities across many countries.
The details
Maersk said the reduced rail capacity is linked to ongoing expansion works at the APM Terminals Maasvlakte II facility. Customers may use barge services to inland terminals, truck transport, or alternative rail connections where feasible, and Maersk is working with affected shippers on arrangements for individual cargo flows.
Timeline
January 2027: previously advised end date for reduced rail availability.
End of June 2027: confirmed end date for reduced rail capacity.
Market Landscape
Maasvlakte II is a major expansion of the Port of Rotterdam, and its ongoing works are now shaping rail access for container flows through the terminal. Extended rail constraints at a key European gateway can shift cargo toward barge, truck, and alternative rail routes.
Shippers using rail from Rotterdam's Maasvlakte II terminal should plan for limited rail capacity through June 2027. Alternatives include barge services to inland terminals and truck transport where feasible.
The takeaway
Companies moving freight through Rotterdam should build contingency routing into their plans now rather than waiting for the rail network to recover. Confirming alternative transport options early can reduce disruption to shipments.
What happens next
Maersk will continue monitoring the expansion works and will provide further updates if the timeline or operating conditions change.
Further reading
For more on shipping and freight logistics, see our Transportation coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Container News.
