Impact on logistics operations in Russia and Ukraine
Last updated: February 25, 2022
Dear valued Röhlig customers, partners and colleagues,
Following our recent updates regarding logistics operations in Russia and Ukraine, we understand that many customers may be concerned about the status of logistics operations across this region. We are able to offer the following information as we keep in close contact with the relevant carriers
Please note with immediate effect we are suspending all services to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. This applies to all shipments, however excluded from this notice are the following:
- Food
- medicine
- humanitarian supplies
If you have any questions, please contact your local representative.
MSC
Temporary suspension of services to/from Russia (except food, medicines and humanitarian supplies)
Cargo in transit prior to 1st of March 2022 will be moved but may be subject to inspections and operational constraints
MSC has stopped accepting bookings to/from Ukraine since a few days
Maersk:
Temporary suspension of services to/from Russia (except food, medicines and humanitarian supplies)
Maersk has introduced a “Change of Destination” option free of charge
Maersk has also stopped accepting bookings to/from Ukraine
ONE
The shipping company ONE has suspended the acceptance of bookings to and from Odessa, Ukraine and Novorossiysk, Saint Petersburg in Russia until further notice
Due to the uncertainties of the current situation we have made the decision to suspend our China to Europe rail services immediately.
We are actively working on fulfilling the rail shipments by transferring our rail groupage shipments, and customers cargo to the sea freight and airfreight allocations we have available.
Please be aware that several new airspace restrictions have been put in place which may affect cargo transport and transit times:
- The EU and Canada have closed their airspace to Russian aircraft. The UK has banned all flights from Aeroflot.
- Lufthansa flights to Russia have been cancelled for at least the next several days.
- Russian airspace is closed to British airlines
The general trend is now a further tightening of capacity across carriers. As a result of the newly implemented restrictions, the possibility of longer crew rotations and increased fuel costs may lead to higher rates and changes to schedules.
Inland transportation costs throughout Europe
Truck rates are fluctuating day-to-day. Oil prices have increased and there is currently a shortage of trucks. We therefore strongly advise customers to be aware of any changes to inland transportation costs in Europe. As supply chain services are currently fragile, paying close attention to stock inventories is also highly recommended.
Based on our communication with carriers and in terms of general rail freight, China-Europe main rail routes through China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus and Poland are operating normally. Any China-Europe rail headed via Ukraine will likely be diverted to Belarus.
China-Europe rail services offered by Röhlig Logistics do not pass through Ukraine. The Röhlig Rail Team has already confirmed that all cargo in transit remains unaffected. China-Europe rail remains stable as usual.
Trucking is still operating normally in Europe. However, as Russia holds a lot of natural gas and crude oil resources, the price of petrol could increase in the event of further escalation. We therefore strongly advise customers to be aware of any changes to inland transportation costs.
Although supply chain services are currently stable, caution is advised due the rapidly developing situation. Paying close attention to domestic stock inventories is recommended.
According to the latest information from carriers, services to Ukraine, Belarus and Russia have been temporarily suspended.
Hapag Lloyd reports that bookings to Ukraine have stopped, while bookings to Russia are temporarily suspended. Vessel calls to Ukraine are also widely suspended until further notice. CMA CGM Group reports that floating cargo will be redirected to the ports of Constanza (Romania), Tripoli (Lebanon) or Piraeus (Greece).
China-Europe rail remains unaffected
- China-Europe main rail routes travel though China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus and Poland and are operating normally.
- Any China-Europe rail headed via Ukraine will likely be diverted to Belarus.
China-Russia and China-Asia rail lines remain unaffected
- China-Russia rail lines are operating normally.
- China-Asia import and export rail lines are operating normally.
- Local delivery charges in Russia are expected to rise due to the recent devaluation of the Russian Rouble (RUB)
General information
China-Europe rail services offered by Röhlig Logistics do not pass through Ukraine. The Röhlig Rail Team has already confirmed that all cargo in transit remains unaffected. China-Europe rail remains stable as usual. Although supply chain services are currently stable, caution is advised due the rapidly developing situation. Paying close attention to domestic stock inventories is recommended. We will ensure to keep you updated of any further developments. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Questions or concerns? Please contact your Röhlig Logistics representative for assistance.
DISCLAIMER - All information is provided in good faith for guidance and reference purposes only. It is of a general informational nature, and Röhlig Logistics GmbH & Co. KG takes no legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided via this document. Röhlig Logistics GmbH & Co. KG makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained herein and accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of the information provided.