Maersk Reimposes Empty Container Restrictions at London Gateway, Disrupting UK Equipment Flows

Maersk has once again suspended empty container acceptance at London Gateway Port from 12:00 hrs on 2 November 2026, with restrictions expected to remain in place for most of the week.

The decision comes just days after the terminal reopened empty returns on 26 October, following an earlier suspension announced on 23 October. The repeated interruptions raise concerns over container evacuation and equipment availability across the UK logistics network.

Alternative return locations

Maersk has instructed hauliers to check its MATS Online platform before dispatching empty containers. Depending on individual instructions, alternative return locations include:

• Pentalver London Gateway

• Port of Tilbury

• Port of Southampton

However, these alternatives remain subject to weather conditions and available space. Maersk has not disclosed the specific reason behind the latest suspension.

Why this matters to the wider supply chain

Empty-container movement is an essential part of the shipping cycle. Containers must be returned, inspected, repositioned and made available for subsequent export bookings.

A prolonged restriction at a major UK gateway can create additional trucking distances, higher haulage costs and delays in equipment repositioning. Diverting empty containers to Tilbury or Southampton may also increase pressure on alternative terminals and inland transport networks.

For shipping lines, the concern extends beyond empty returns. Repeated interruptions can affect equipment turnaround and potentially tighten container availability for exporters, particularly if restrictions extend or similar operational constraints emerge elsewhere.

A recurring operational concern

The latest suspension follows a short reopening period, highlighting the vulnerability of port-side equipment flows when empty-container handling capacity becomes constrained. Although Maersk expects disruption to last for most of this week, the duration will depend on subsequent operational updates.

For UK exporters, freight forwarders and transport operators, checking return instructions before dispatch is essential to avoid unnecessary truck movements and additional costs.

London Gateway's latest restriction highlights an often-overlooked part of global shipping: cargo movement depends not only on vessel capacity and terminal operations, but also on the uninterrupted circulation of empty containers.

Logisticswall.com | Global Shipping & Trade Intelligence