This monthly update, provided by the British Association of Removers gives a current overview of the global shipping market out of the UK. It provides HR and Global Mobility Managers with a useful and unbiased understanding of the potential challenges, cost implications and risks that may need to be planned for.
**Please note this information applies to all UK international removers and is not unique to Bournes.**
KEY UPDATES
Operational Disruptions & Schedule Reliability
Shipping lines continue to make short-notice changes to vessel strings, ports of load and routing. If a service is withdrawn, rerouted, or a UK port call is omitted, movers are required to rebook onto alternative services, often with higher freight costs and longer transit times, entirely outside their control.
In an effort to improve schedule reliability, vessels are now departing strictly on time, even if planned containers have not been loaded or discharged. This is resulting in increased instances of containers being:
- Rolled to later sailings
- Discharged at the next port and returned by feeder vessel
Both scenarios are contributing to delays and congestion at origin and destination ports.
EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) – Final Phase Implemented
As of 1 January 2026, the EU Emissions Trading System has entered its final implementation phase. Previous mitigation measures have been removed, and ETS surcharges have risen sharply compared to 2025 levels.
Customers should be aware that freight costs quoted last year may now be several hundred dollars higher, even where routes and services remain unchanged.
Port Congestion & Water-Level Surcharges
Congestion persists at London Gateway and many major transhipment hubs in Europe and Asia, increasing the likelihood of delays beyond the mover’s control.
Additionally, Low Water Surcharges (LWS) are now being applied by some carriers for shipments to Canada via the St. Lawrence River, as reduced water levels limit vessel cargo capacity.
Transit Time Variability
Advertised transit times remain highly unreliable. Significant variation continues between services on the same trade lane. For example, Southampton to Sydney sailings currently range from 56 to 89 days, before any additional delays.
Vessel selection is often driven by load date availability rather than speed, and even bookings on faster services remain vulnerable to container rolling.
ROUTE UPDATES
North America (USA, Canada & Mexico)
The introduction of new carrier alliances has led to ongoing service realignment. Many US-bound services are now consolidated through Southampton, while ports of discharge in North America continue to change.
Capacity on the Transatlantic trade remains constrained, with demand exceeding available space. This is leading to:
- Increased freight rates
- Booking cancellations
- Short-notice rollovers
Customers should expect longer lead times to secure space and an increased likelihood of delays.
Eastbound Trades (Asia, Oceania, India & Middle East)
Diversions around the Cape of Good Hope are now well established due to regional conflict, with longer transit times becoming the norm. There is still no indication of when Suez Canal transits will safely resume fully, some major shipping companies are beginning to resume limited operations with trial voyages successfully passing through the waterway.
Omissions of Middle East port calls on Asia services are creating severe congestion. Services that do call the region are heavily oversubscribed, while void sailings are generating roll pools that are difficult to clear.
Shipments to Oceania continue to face congestion at Asian transhipment hubs, with some containers being rolled multiple times.
Mediterranean services are also affected, as vessels are unable to continue onward through Suez and must turn back, resulting in port omissions and extended transit times.
Southbound Trades (South, East & West Africa)
No change. Where services are offered, reliability remains generally good. However, coverage of inland and hinterland destinations continues to reduce, particularly where poor infrastructure or port congestion persists, including parts of the Indian Ocean Islands.
Latin America
No change. Services remain broadly reliable, but extended clearance times frequently exceed carrier free-time allowances, increasing the risk of destination storage charges.
OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
ICS2 Compliance
The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) remains an evolving requirement for shipments calling at EU ports after departing the UK. Movers may need to request additional personal shipper information to meet carrier and EU requirements.
“Household Goods and Personal Effects” remain on the EU watch list, and valid declarations may still be challenged or rejected, causing delays while issues are resolved.
Equipment Quality
Container quality continues to deteriorate due to fleet repositioning for Cape-route services. Unsuitable or damaged units are being presented more frequently, leading to rejected equipment, missed sailings, delays, and potential additional haulage costs.
Nationality Restrictions
ONE Line confirmed some time ago that it will not accept personal effects shipments for Russian passport holders. Other carriers’ positions are still under review. Customers affected should verify acceptance in advance, as storage costs at destination can be substantial if disputes arise.
Currency & Fuel Cost Adjustments
Freight charges are typically converted into GBP at the exchange rate applicable at time of sailing, not at quotation stage. Customers should expect invoice adjustments reflecting exchange rate movements.
Separately, fuel (bunkering) costs remain subject to quarterly review, with recent increases of up to USD 350 per container reported.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries remain a significant operational and safety risk. Carrier acceptance is inconsistent and often assessed on a case-by-case basis. Where permitted, shipments must be declared as hazardous cargo, attracting substantial surcharges and longer booking lead times.
Failure to declare lithium-ion batteries is treated as misdeclaration under maritime law and may result in fines of approximately USD 30,000, confiscation, or disposal of goods. The BAR Overseas Group continues to strongly advise against shipping these items.
KEY ACTIONS TO MINIMISE RISK
Impact on Relocating Employees
- Quotes remain based on the sailings available at the time of pricing. If carriers alter their schedules, a revised booking may involve a different rate or extended transit.
- Early planning and longer lead times remain strongly advised to secure space.
- Carrier-imposed surcharges may be introduced with minimal notice.
- The likelihood of containers being rolled, delayed, or subject to documentation queries remains elevated.
- Freight rate volatility continues, though some stabilisation is anticipated.
Recommended Actions for Global Mobility
- Flag any specific timing constraints with your mover early so they can secure space on the most suitable services.
- Encourage planning ahead and confirm moving dates as early as possible.
- Maintain close, frequent communication with your shipping providers on any route or schedule developments affecting your key lanes.
- Ensure relocating employees understand the potential for unplanned delays and why these occur, helping manage expectations.
- Review your policy on Li-ION batteries and ensure employees know what can (and cannot) be shipped. Agree exception processes with your provider where necessary.
- Prepare employees for possible requests for additional personal information linked to ICS2 requirements.
These steps will help reduce the likelihood of unexpected charges or service disruptions during an international relocation.
If you require any further detail or have questions please don't hesitate to contact our Corporate Relocation Team.
