Dear Customers,
As previously informed, the ongoing partial closure of the Kurort Rathen – Pirna section (21 February – 26 February 2026) will be followed by another partial closure in the Elbe Valley from 26 February to 28 February 2026, on the Bad Schandau Ost – Königstein section. This will again consequence in crucial restrictions to services between CZ, SK, HU, AT, the Balkans, and the North German ports, as well as Rotterdam and Duisburg.
In addition to the above-mentioned closure, train operations in the Elbe Valley were besides suspended over the weekend due to a method failure at Dolní Žleb station.
As a result, the operational situation has not changed significantly. Rail restrictions are causing delays across all our services to/from the North German ports, as well as Rotterdam and Duisburg. The circulation of train sets and locomotives is heavy disrupted and is being planned according to the possibilities of the respective railway infrastructures. For the North German ports in general, import connections are full booked weeks in advance, and the volume of import shipments accumulated at the ports is enormous.
Hamburg: HPA is controlling (restricting) port access, and any terminals are operating with delays. respective trains from all services are so continuously blocked on their way to the port. Certain connections are being cancelled and planning adjustments are being made.
Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven: Delays are occurring in both directions, along with crucial irregularities in train set circulation.
Gdańsk: Trains are presently operating without delays. However, due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions, BalticHub is incapable to keep standard productivity levels; therefore, the capacity of planned slots has been reduced by 30% for this week. Import capacities are full booked up to and including 12 March 2026. It is presently not possible to request an additional ad hoc train.
Should you have any questions regarding circumstantial shipments, our client Service squad will be pleased to assist you.
METRANS Team
