The sea freight industry continues to play a vital role in global trade, ensuring goods reach their destinations worldwide. However, the market is currently under substantial pressure, and we are experiencing price increases from shipping companies. One contributing factor is the early dispatch of shipments for the Christmas holiday season. Combined with extended transit times, this has resulted in a reduction in the number of available departures.
Impact of the situation in the Red Sea
Adding to the complexity, the situation in the Red Sea has forced ships on the Asia-Europe route to detour around the Cape of Good Hope. This detour has led to longer voyages and an increase in the number of ships required to maintain service levels, thereby partially absorbing the newly delivered capacity since the start of the year.
Capacity constraints and blank sailings
The market is also dealing with a shortage of available containers, worsened by extended transit times. To further complicate the situation, shipping companies have announced blank sailings, which reduce the number of departures and deepen the capacity constraints. These market conditions are primarily driven by the dynamics of supply and demand.
Recommendations for customers
Given these challenges, we strongly recommend that customers pre-book their shipments well in advance to secure availability. Planning ahead is crucial in navigating these market conditions effectively. FREJA is available to assist you during these challenging times. If you have any further questions or want to learn more about our sea freight solutions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
David Nielsen
Head of Business Development Air & Ocean
+45 5234 5457
dni@freja.com
The ports of Hamburg and Rotterdam are currently experiencing significant delays. Ships arriving and departing are affected by the ongoing congestion, resulting in delays that often span several days.
The primary cause of this situation is congestion. In Hamburg, occasional staffing shortages have worsened the problem, while Rotterdam's Euromax terminal has been undergoing maintenance on three of its cranes, further contributing to the slowdown.
As a result, operations are running slowly, with terminals overwhelmed by containers. Unfortunately, feeder vessels have limited access, as priority is given to ocean vessels. It is expected to take some time before conditions return to normal.
Please reach out to your local contact person at FREJA if you have any questions or need assistance with your shipments.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.
David Nielsen
Head of Business Development Air & Ocean
+45 5234 5457
dni@freja.com
Because of Danish holidays, there will be some changes in departure times from several countries.
Click here for more information
Due to the holiday season we will revise our dates of departure to and from Denmark around Christmas and New Year.
Because of the holidays around Christmas and New Year the dates of departure will change according to the schemes below.
Because of the holidays around Christmas and New Year the dates of departure will change according to the schemes below.
Because of the holidays during spring 2018, the dates of departure to and from Denmark will change according to the plans below.
Because of the holiday around Easter we offer changed days of departure.
Follow the link below for more information - you will be directed to the Danish web page.
We would like to inform you that, as of Saturday, March 14 2026, the Danish Customs Agency will implement the new
import system, DMS Import.
DMS Import will replace the previous customs system, Import Classic, which has until now been used for import
customs clearance in Denmark. We have been informed by the Danish Customs Agency that DMS Import will be
launched even though the system is not yet fully functional. This means that, during the initial period, technical
challenges and longer processing times in connection with import customs clearance may occur.
It is important to emphasize that these challenges do not only apply to FREJA Transport, but to the entire industry.
There is close cooperation across the industry to put pressure on the Danish Customs Agency to keep Import Classic open during a transitional period alongside DMS Import. So far, however, the Danish Customs Agency has not
been receptive to this request.
At the same time, customs offices have been affected by staff reductions, which have already resulted in increased
waiting times. In addition, opening hours will be reduced as of 1 March, meaning that all clearances must now be handled within a shorter time frame. This will further increase the pressure on customs offices and may contribute
to additional delays.
The new opening hours can be viewed here:
https://dasp.dk/toldekspeditionernes-aabningstider-reduceres-fra-1-marts/
Overall, the situation may result in:
- Delays in customs processing
- Longer handling times for import shipments
- Temporary disruptions in the flow of goods
- Increased costs for the importer/freight payer as a result of delays, additional handling, storage fees, or other
consequential costs
At FREJA, we have been preparing for the transition for an extended period. We have actively participated in testing phases and have already been working within the DMS Import system for some time. This means we have built up experience with the system’s functions and workflows and are as well prepared as possible for the transition.
We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in ongoing dialogue with authorities, industry associations, and
partners. Our focus is to ensure the most stable and smooth handling of your import shipments possible. However,
we recommend that, where feasible, you take potential delays into account in your planning during the upcoming
period.
If you have questions regarding the system implementation itself, you are also welcome to contact the Danish Customs Agency directly at +45 72 22 12 02.
If you have questions or specific shipments you are concerned about, you are of course very welcome to contact
your usual contact person at FREJA.
Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to our continued good cooperation.