Maersk issues warning: freight may be disrupted in this area
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Maersk recently reminded customers that due to the possible heavy rainfall and local flooding in East Africa from October to December 2026, local land transportation, port and terminal operations may face varying degrees of operational pressure, and some import, export and transit cargo transportation may be delayed or even interrupted.
A customer advisory issued by Maersk on October 6 showed that East Africa and surrounding areas are about to enter the rainfall season under the influence of El Niño. The weather outlook indicates that rainfall is likely to be above normal in most areas of the region, with the possibility of heavy rainfall and localized flooding. However, there are still uncertainties in the specific timing and severity of rainfall, and the impact may vary in different regions.
Land transportation may be the first to be affected
Access to ports, terminals, yards and inland distribution locations may be restricted if heavy rainfall causes flooding or damages road infrastructure. Maersk said that this may lead to extended cargo transportation times, temporary restrictions or even interruptions on some transportation routes, and delays in the flow of transit cargo to neighboring countries.
At the same time, blocked road access and traffic congestion may also lengthen truck turnaround times, reduce transport vehicle availability, and affect pickup and delivery efficiency. For export goods, if they cannot be delivered to the terminal in time as planned, they may also face the risk of missing the customs cut-off time and being dumped.
Port operations may also be affected
Heavy rainfall not only affects transportation between the port and the inland, but may also affect the operations of the terminal itself. Maersk pointed out that when weather conditions cannot meet safe operation requirements, terminal loading and unloading may be slowed down or even temporarily suspended. This will affect the efficiency of yard operations and the progress of ship loading and unloading, and may further extend the ship's time in port.
If the pickup of goods and subsequent transportation are affected at the same time, the number of containers at the terminal yard may increase, and the storage time of boxes may be extended, which may also make it more difficult to pickup import and export containers.
Maersk recommends making transportation arrangements in advance
In response to potential weather impacts, Maersk recommends cargo owners to reserve more time for transportation and planning, especially for goods in areas prone to flooding and with high timeliness requirements. If conditions permit, export goods should be delivered to the terminal as early as possible to avoid missing the customs cut-off time due to road or traffic problems. At the same time, shipping instructions, customs declaration documents and other relevant information should also be submitted accurately and timely to reduce avoidable delays.
For imported goods, Maersk recommends that cargo owners complete customs clearance and pick up the goods in a timely manner, and confirm whether the road conditions and the receiving location have the conditions to receive the goods before arranging transportation. For time-sensitive goods and temperature-controlled goods, Maersk recommends contacting its customer service or business representatives as early as possible to evaluate transportation arrangements in advance.
Rainfall risks in East Africa deserve attention
Maersk's warning has a clear meteorological basis. The latest data from the World Meteorological Organization shows that El Niño is still strengthening and is expected to reach its peak around the end of 2026 and is affecting global rainfall patterns. The Horn of East Africa is one of the more obviously affected regions.
The regional climate outlook for October to December 2026 previously released by the East African Intergovernmental Organization for Development Climate Prediction and Application Center also shows that most areas in the Horn of East Africa are more likely to experience above-normal rainfall, with some areas having a higher probability of seasonal cumulative rainfall exceeding 400 millimeters.
At present, Maersk has not announced that there has been a large-scale transportation disruption in East Africa, but is giving advance warning of potential operational risks based on future weather conditions. Maersk said that the company will continue to monitor weather changes and its impact on the flow of goods. If there are major changes in operations or services, further notices will be issued.
For cargo owners and freight forwarders who have import, export and transit transportation plans in East Africa in the near future, they need to focus on road traffic, truck dispatching, terminal operations and local weather changes in the future, and reserve buffers for possible extensions of transportation time.
For cargo owners and freight forwarders who have import, export and transit transportation plans in East Africa in the near future, they need to focus on road traffic, truck dispatching, terminal operations and local weather changes in the future, and reserve buffers for possible extensions of transportation time.
