We would like to inform you of a high risk of disruptions to road transport operations to and from the Tri-City ports during the upcoming Christmas and New Year period. The situation is related to an announced protest action by transport companies servicing the container terminals in Gdańsk (Baltic Hub) and Gdynia (BCT, GCT).

Causes and scale of the issue

As many as 96 transport companies (including the majority of our regular subcontractors) have signed an open letter opposing the current operational practices of the terminals, in particular Baltic Hub Gdańsk.

The main reasons for the protest include, among others:

• Plans to introduce an additional fee (PLN 65) for terminal entry during peak hours (10:00–22:00).

• A critical shortage of available slots (VBS appointments) and multi-hour waiting times to enter the terminal.

• Operational restrictions, sector blockages, and difficulties with returning empty containers.

• Extended driver handling times, often explained by terminals using non-transparent messages about “adverse weather conditions.”

• Chronic congestion at terminals and inland depots, causing multi-hour standstills and preventing reliable transport planning.

Schedule of disruptions

Carriers have announced a protest in the form of a so-called “silent strike” (operations at a minimal level) and a possible terminal blockade.

• 19 December 2025 – 6 January 2026: Limited truck availability and extended operational times (“silent strike”).

• 7–9 January 2026: Risk of a general strike and a complete blockade of access to Baltic Hub.

Impact on your cargo

In connection with the above, please be prepared for the following consequences:

• Delays: Possible postponements in container positioning for both import and export.

• Availability: Significantly reduced availability of transport equipment during the indicated period.

• Costs: Risk of additional charges imposed by shipping lines/terminals (demurrage, detention, storage) beyond our control.

• New fee: If Baltic Hub introduces an entry fee for the 10:00–22:00 time window, this cost will be added to transport rates.

Our actions

We are closely monitoring the situation and taking all possible steps to minimize the impact of the protest on your supply chain. Due to the scale of the issue and the holiday period, we kindly ask you to place transport orders as early as possible.