MOOV Monthly Update | February Asia–EU Supply Chain Highlights

Container shipping capacity remains effectively constrained as carriers continue to manage supply through blank sailings while schedule reliability remains weak. Drewry reported 136 cancelled sailings in February 2026 across the transpacific, Asia–Europe and transatlantic trades—122% more than in January—largely reflecting capacity discipline around the Lunar New Year demand dip (Loadstar, Feb 2026). 

Across Northern Europe, adverse winter conditions and elevated yard utilisation continue to place pressure on terminals and inland networks, despite improving sea conditions. Operational tightness persists, driven primarily by rail constraints and weather-related disruptions. In late January, rail backlogs in Hamburg reached up to 24 hours, while freezing rain led to temporary rail handling suspensions in Bremerhaven. Subsequent updates indicate that intermittent rail and terminal backlogs remain at specific Hamburg facilities, contributing to ongoing schedule variability.

Impact: Overall, elevated yard utilization, bunching of vessel arrivals after weather events, and intermittent inland (rail/road) constraints continue to translate into schedule deviation risk across the main European gateway range. 

In January–February 2026, the European Commission intensified efforts to diversify the EU’s global trade partnerships, reflecting a broader strategic shift toward reducing dependency risks and strengthening supply chain resilience. 

Negotiations with India continued to advance, with both sides reaffirming political commitment to concluding a comprehensive free trade agreement. At the same time, the EU deepened economic engagement across Southeast Asia, building on the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and supply chain security (Reuters, Jan 2026; Al Jazeera, Jan 2026). 

Parallel discussions within EU institutions also focused on recalibrating trade instruments — including reforms to trade defense tools, sustainability-linked trade measures, and potential adjustments to preference frameworks — as part of a wider reassessment of Europe’s external economic strategy amid evolving global trade dynamics (Euronews, Feb 2026). 

Impact: The EU’s recalibrated trade strategy could widen sourcing alternatives and improve supply chain resilience for European businesses — but it is likely to come with stricter compliance requirements and a more conditional trading environment. 

On 23 February 2026, the Council of the European Union decided to extend the mandate of the EU’s maritime security operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES until 28 February 2027, agreeing on a financial reference amount of nearly €15 million to cover common costs for the period. The operation was established in February 2024 to contribute to safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security for merchant and commercial vessels in response to threats in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb corridor. The extension reflects the EU’s continued commitment to maritime security and stability along key sea lines of communication critical to global trade (EU Council press releases, Feb 2026). 

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a decisive victory in the country’s general election, according to official results announced on 13 February 2026, marking a major political shift following the nation’s recent transitional period. On 17 February 2026, Tarique Rahman was formally sworn in as prime minister and began forming a new government (Reuters, Feb 2026).  

The election result signals a potential reset in Bangladesh’s economic and trade policy direction, as analysts highlight the need for strengthened political stability, renewed investor confidence, and institutional reforms. International markets and partners are closely watching early policy signals from the new administration, which could shape regional trade dynamics and supply-chain confidence in South Asia in the coming months (The Financial Express, Feb 2026). 

Impact: During the transition period, political unrest and associated security measures also disrupted port operations, with temporary suspensions reported and vessels unable to berth at certain times, creating short-term delays to cargo handling and vessel schedules. 

According to preliminary full-year 2025 trade data published in February 2026 by Destatis, China was Germany’s largest trading partner, with bilateral goods trade totaling approximately €251 billion. The shift reflects the continued importance of China in German industrial supply chains and export markets, even as Berlin pursues economic de-risking strategies. The development comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Berlin and Beijing, underscoring the complexity of Europe’s evolving trade landscape (Destatis, Feb 2026).

• Bangladesh – Chittagong

  Local media reported work stoppages between 31 January and 9 February, totaling approximately 104 hours, which disrupted cargo handling and vessel operations. Congestion has since moderated, with vessel waiting times reported at approximately 2–3 days, though residual schedule delays remain (The Daily Star, Feb 2026). 

• Malaysia – Port Klang

  The 7-day average vessel waiting time is roughly 1.3 days.

• Netherlands – Rotterdam 

  The 7-day average vessel waiting time is around 1.3 days. 

• Poland – Gdansk
  

  The 7-day average vessel waiting time is approximately 2.7 days. Severe winter weather, including heavy snow, ice, and prolonged low temperatures, continues to disrupt port operations, limiting landside and waterside activities, reducing truck and rail capacity, and slowing vessel handling. 

As a subsidiary of MOOV, KB Liner acts as TAILWIND Shipping Lines’ general agent in Asia, providing dedicated operational support across key export gateways. 

During the recent Chinese New Year period — traditionally marked by significant disruptions to trucking capacity, warehouse availability, and equipment flows — we successfully maintained uninterrupted export operations. One of TAILWIND’s voyages called at China during the holiday window, and through early equipment release, secured container allocations, and coordinated laden drop-off arrangements at Ningbo and Shenzhen, we ensured our customers’ cargo moved as scheduled. 

For the third consecutive year, all confirmed bookings during the CNY period were loaded and departed as planned, with no containers rolled. This consistency reflects our structured holiday contingency planning and close coordination with local transport providers and terminals, reinforcing reliable transit performance even during peak seasonal constraints.