Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week (Week 2 of Feb 2025)

On Thursday, February 13, a national strike by security and ground staff is expected to cause significant disruptions at Brussels Airport, leading to potential flight cancellations and delays, including those to Morocco. Brussels Airport has advised that airlines will inform passengers directly about any changes to flight schedules. Brussels Airlines is currently adjusting its flight plans and urges passengers to check their flight status regularly via the airline's website or mobile app. The strike is also anticipated to affect public transportation services in Brussels; travelers should consult the NMBS and De Lijn websites for the latest updates.

On February 8, the Chinese bulk carrier an Yang 2 ran aground near Nevelsk on Sakhalin Island's southwestern coast during a severe storm. The vessel, carrying 1,000 tonnes of coal, 706 tonnes of fuel oil, and 56 tonnes of diesel, is stranded approximately 200 meters offshore. All 20 crew members are reported safe, and no fuel spillage has been detected. However, adverse weather conditions have hindered rescue operations, preventing divers and rescue vessels from approaching the ship. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency and are preparing to pump fuel from the vessel to mitigate potential environmental risks.

Train services between Kent, East Sussex, and London returned to normal on Saturday afternoon after a power failure earlier in the morning caused disruptions. Southeastern reported an electricity supply failure at Tonbridge station at 07:22 GMT, affecting trains from Hastings to London and Ashford to London. During the disruption, trains could not stop at Tonbridge, and some services used alternative platforms. Rail replacement buses operated between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. By midday, Network Rail had completed repairs, restoring normal service.

On February 7, Perth Airport in Western Australia canceled all flights due to severe weather conditions and the ongoing threat of life-threatening floods. The decision was made to ensure passenger safety as heavy rainfall and rising water levels posed significant risks. Authorities have issued warnings to residents in affected areas, advising them to seek higher ground and avoid non-essential travel.

On February 9, a Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight en route from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Oslo, Norway, was forced to return to Copenhagen Airport due to severe weather conditions in Oslo. The aircraft encountered heavy snowfall and strong winds, making it unsafe to land at Oslo Gardermoen Airport. After assessing the situation, the flight crew decided to turn back to Copenhagen, where the plane landed safely.

On February 5, Maersk announced that it would temporarily omit the Port of Savannah from its North Atlantic Express (NAE) service due to severe congestion and delays caused by recent storms. This change will take effect with the Polar Costa Rica 505S vessel, and customers are advised to use alternative ports, including North Charleston, SC, and Wilmington, NC. Maersk is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates once Savannah can be reinstated in the NAE service schedule. To maintain service reliability, Maersk is also implementing additional measures, such as deploying extra loaders and adjusting vessel rotations.

Dock workers in France resumed strikes this month, and strikes are scheduled throughout February. On the next day, it is planned to be suspended for 4 hours from 10 am to 4 pm on February 6, February 10, February 12, February 14, February 18, February 20 and February 24. Also, ports are scheduled to go on strike for 48 hours on February 26 and 28.

On February 6, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) announced plans to implement new work bans, potentially escalating disruptions across Sydney's train network. The union intends to notify the New South Wales (NSW) government of these actions on February 9, 2025. The RTBU is advocating for a 32% pay increase over four years, a demand the NSW government has thus far declined. In response, NSW Premier Chris Minns has indicated that the government "would not hesitate" to pursue legal action to prevent significant commuter disruptions resulting from the union's planned activities.

On February 5, Italy experienced significant travel disruptions due to a nationwide strike by airport ground handling staff and a fire at Rome's Ciampino Airport. The 24-hour strike, organized by the Flai Trasporti e Servizi and USB Lavoro Privato trade unions, affected multiple airports, including Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino, as well as Milan's Linate and Malpensa. As a result, ITA Airways canceled 26 domestic and international flights, impacting routes to cities such as London and Frankfurt. Concurrently, a fire broke out in a technical room at the base of the control tower at Ciampino Airport, leading to the temporary suspension of take-offs and landings. The fire was promptly extinguished, and no critical equipment was damaged. Flights resumed in the afternoon after authorities addressed the situation.

Recent political unrest in Mozambique has led to increased vessel waiting times at major ports. Following the disputed October 9, 2024, elections, protests have disrupted port operations, causing delays in cargo processing and vessel handling. At Maputo Port, protests have damaged infrastructure, leading to stock shortages and delays in cargo loading and unloading. Similarly, at Beira Port, heightened security concerns have resulted in longer processing times and logistical challenges.