Hapag-Lloyd has introduced a temporary surcharge for shipments affected by the closure of the Twente Canal, as inland transport disruptions continue to impact cargo movements in the Netherlands. The revised charges are intended to offset additional logistics costs resulting from restricted waterway access and the need for alternative transportation arrangements.
The closure of the Twente Canal has disrupted barge operations serving inland terminals, forcing cargo to be rerouted via road and rail networks. These changes have increased transportation expenses, extended transit times, and created operational challenges for carriers and logistics providers handling import and export cargo in the affected region.
Hapag-Lloyd said the surcharge will apply to shipments moving through impacted inland locations until normal canal operations resume. Customers have been advised to review the updated tariff structure and coordinate with local offices to assess the impact on their supply chains and delivery schedules.
The carrier is working with logistics partners and terminal operators to minimize disruptions by utilizing alternative transport modes and optimizing cargo routing wherever possible. However, capacity constraints on road and rail services may continue to affect shipment planning while the canal remains closed.
Industry experts note that inland waterway disruptions can have a significant impact on regional supply chains, particularly in Europe, where barge transport plays a vital role in connecting seaports with inland logistics hubs. While the temporary surcharge will increase transportation costs for affected shippers, it is expected to help carriers recover the additional expenses incurred in maintaining service continuity until the Twente Canal is reopened.