We would like to advise that Typhoon Bavi is currently causing significant operational disruptions across several major ports in China, including Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao and Tianjin.

Severe weather conditions, including gale-force winds, heavy rainfall and rough seas, have resulted in the partial or complete suspension of terminal operations. As a result, vessel berthing and departures, cargo loading and unloading activities, and container gate-in/gate-out services are experiencing major restrictions and delays.

At this stage, shipping delays of approximately 3–7 days should be expected.

In addition, some shipping lines are making last-minute schedule changes, including the cancellation of entire voyages without prior notice.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as they become available. Our team is working with carriers and partners to minimise disruption wherever possible.

If you have any questions regarding specific shipments, please contact your Key Account Manager or Customer Service Representative.

Due to ongoing low water levels along the Rhine River, barge operators have reduced the amount of cargo that can be safely loaded onto vessels. In line with standard industry practice, low water surcharges are being applied by barge operators to offset the resulting operational constraints.

As these circumstances are outside the control of carriers and constitute a force majeure event, the applicable low water surcharges will be passed on to cargo owners for all affected barge and barge-road transport movements.

Effective Wednesday, 15 July 2026, the following low water surcharges apply.

Please note:

• These surcharges apply only to barge and barge-road pre-carriage and on-carriage movements between the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam and destinations in Germany, France, and Switzerland via the Rhine River.
• Feeder services between Antwerp and Rotterdam are not affected.
• The Rhine River is divided into several sections, with surcharges determined by water levels at the relevant measuring points.

Kaub Measuring Point

Current draft: 0.50 – 0.41 m

Applicable surcharge:

• €775 per 20ft container
• €930 per 40ft container

Affected terminals:

• Mainz / Ginsheim-Gustavsburg
• Frankfurt am Main
• Stuttgart
• Trier
• Mannheim
• Germersheim
• Wörth am Rhein
• Karlsruhe
• Strasbourg
• Kehl
• Ottmarsheim
• Basel

Cologne (Köln) Measuring Point

Current draft: 0.95 – 0.86 m

Applicable surcharge:

• €260 per 20ft container
• €340 per 40ft container

Affected terminals:

• Cologne (Köln)
• Bonn
• Andernach
• Koblenz

Duisburg-Ruhrort Measuring Point

Current draft: 1.80 – 1.71 m

Applicable surcharge:

• €151 per 20ft container
• €197 per 40ft container

Affected terminals:

• Duisburg
• Neuss

Emmerich Measuring Point

Current draft: 0.30 – 0.21 m

Applicable surcharge:

• €85 per 20ft container
• €150 per 40ft container

Affected terminal:

• Emmerich

Hengelo (IJssel River)

While water levels in the IJssel River are also declining, no low water surcharge is currently being applied to transport movements via Hengelo.

The regulatory environment for customs clearance continues to evolve, with increased compliance obligations, heightened due diligence requirements, shorter assessment timeframes, and greater scrutiny from government agencies.

At the same time, the industry is experiencing a significant shortage of licensed Customs Brokers, driving substantial increases in labour costs.

To ensure we can continue delivering the high level of compliance, expertise, and service our clients rely upon, Stockwells will be implementing an increase to our customs clearance charges from the 15^th of July.

This adjustment reflects the genuine increase in costs associated with managing customs compliance and maintaining experienced, licensed brokerage professionals.

We remain committed to providing reliable, compliant, and efficient customs clearance services and thank you for your continued support.