Germany Strike March 27-28, 2023, Strikes again in France this week
Germany – New strike impacting Inland Rail Depots
Be advised a new strike throughout Germany on March 27 – 28, 2023 will cause disruptions and delays at certain inland rail terminals. This follows a warning strike at Hamburg Port that closed operations from March 22 from 5:30 PM to Friday March 24, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
France – Strike action continues this week
Tensions have escalated with the protests across France and further port strikes are planned this week. Port workers at both Le Havre and Fos-sur-Mer will be on strike from March 28 – 30, 2023 (3 days). Protests are also targeting gas depots and this is further disrupting transport movements.
Given the massive disruption this has on scheduled shipments, customers should consider the limitations of movements this causes and associated charges from delays or diversions. Below we have outlined shipment options to review based on the sensitivity and urgency of your pending orders from France.
Option 1: Shipment from another European port
Diverting orders to other ports outside of France will incur an extra transport costs and transit times will vary depending on shipping service schedules. We have prepared additional FOB/FCA pricing options; please inquire with your sales contact.
Option 2: Postpone non-urgent shipments
For non-urgent orders that are not picked up, you have the option to postpone scheduled shipments, bearing in mind that there will be residual delays and congestion when terminals reopen.
Option 3: No change to scheduled shipments
If you take no action, be advised that shipments will be delayed and there will be additional charges indirectly associated with the strikes – detention, demurrage, storage and security charges, etc. These charges will be applicable to the buyer or seller according to the shipment incoterm rules.
Please contact your customer service representative for questions on pending shipments or view shipment notifications on your myHillebrandGori customer portal.