Summary
June 2025 saw persistent port congestion in Europe, with major hubs like Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg experiencing significant delays expected to last until at least August. Lithuania announced the expansion of its toll road network for commercial vehicles from July 2025, aiming for improved infrastructure funding and traffic management. Meanwhile, Klaipėda port in Lithuania reported robust cargo and container growth and investment in green hydrogen.
1. Europe Port Congestion to Extend Through Summer
Congestion at Europe’s key container ports shows no sign of easing, with delays in Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg expected to persist until at least August 2025. As many as 11 ships were anchored off Rotterdam on a single day in early June, while Antwerp saw berth waiting times rise from 32 hours in week 13 to 44 hours by week 20—an increase of 37%. Hamburg also reported vessel queues, with average waiting times up to six days. The main drivers include strong demand, industrial action, and hinterland transport challenges. Carriers such as Maersk, CMA CGM, and MSC have responded by rerouting services, extending transit times, and skipping congested ports.
Outlook:
With the peak shipping season approaching, these disruptions are likely to continue affecting schedules, costs, and inventory planning across Europe.
2. Lithuania Expands Toll Road Network
From July 1, 2025, Lithuania will expand its toll road network for commercial vehicles by an additional 1,151 km, bringing the total tolled network to 2,851 km. The policy targets only commercial cargo and passenger transport (M2, M3, N1, N2, and N3 vehicles), with private cars remaining exempt. The government expects to raise €3.5 million in the second half of 2025 and up to €77 million in 2026, addressing the poor technical condition of many roads—only 56.4% of main and 57.4% of regional roads currently meet quality standards.
Outlook:
This expansion will increase operational costs for logistics companies using Lithuanian roads and may shift traffic patterns, particularly for cross-Baltic transport flows.
3. Klaipėda Port Posts Record Cargo and Container Growth
Klaipėda port reported a 17% year-on-year increase in total cargo handled and a 38% surge in container throughput (to 5.3 million tons or 582,300 TEU) in the first half of 2025. Ro-ro cargo also rose by 6%. This contrasts with neighboring Baltic ports, where Riga and Liepaja saw cargo declines of 7%, while Ventspils grew by 15%.
Outlook:
Klaipėda’s performance strengthens its role as a regional logistics hub, particularly as supply chain disruptions continue elsewhere in Europe.
4. Start of construction of the Hydrogen Station
The port of Klaipėda is confidently moving towards the goal of becoming the first in Lithuania and the Baltic States to produce and supply green hydrogen to ships, various equipment used in the port and private transport. The tender announced by the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority is already being completed, a contract will be signed with the winner soon, so construction work is planned to begin this summer. The hydrogen production facility will be installed in a standard 40-foot sea container. The station is intended to produce 127 tons of hydrogen per year. In preparation for its production, the possibilities of using these fuels are also being planned.
Outlook:
These steps mark an important breakthrough in the field of sustainable energy, and the port of Klaipėda is becoming a significant center of green technologies both in Lithuania and in the entire Baltic region.
Conclusion
June 2025 underscored the complexity and volatility of the European logistics environment. Persistent port congestion, regulatory changes in road freight, and shifting Baltic port dynamics mean that adaptability and proactive planning remain essential for logistics operators and supply chain managers.