News | National Strike Overload of Rail Infrastructure due to Multiple Full Line Closures in BelgiumNorthern Germany and the Hanover Area

Status as of yesterday: In the northern rail network, the situation had already escalated significantly. Passage through the affected region was almost no longer possible. The main reason was that the central diversion route could only be used to a very limited extent due to track damage. As a result, there were extreme delays, with trains requiring up to 10 hours to cover a distance of approximately 10 kilometers. Rail freight traffic in this area was therefore almost at a standstill. In addition, all available siding capacities were fully utilized, so that trains had to be held back at their points of origin, leading to a shortage of urgently required trains for loading both in the north and in the south. Major delays and train cancellations were unavoidable, and trains were already unable to arrive at inland terminals according to timetable data, with knock-on effects on export connections in Hamburg and on adherence to delivery and vessel closing times.

Status as of today: The situation in the northern region has further deteriorated. The central diversion route, which was already heavily restricted, is now completely closed due to an overhead line failure. According to current information, this closure is expected to last at least until this evening. As a consequence, rail freight traffic in the north–south corridor has largely come to a halt. Siding capacities remain fully exhausted, so that trains must be held back or cannot be released for departure, and urgently needed trains for loading are missing in both the north and the south. The forecast for rectifying the route disruption on the diversion corridor has been extended until 13 June 2026. A prolonged and heavily strained operational situation must therefore be expected, with massive delays and short-notice train cancellations being unavoidable. We will continue to inform you promptly of any significant changes.

For further information or any questions, please contact your FMS representative. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.