Corporate Moving update – December 2025

Normal shipping through Suez, new disruption-planning guidance and operational risks affecting relocations

Shipping conditions are shifting again as geopolitical tensions ease in some regions while operational challenges rise in others. Santa Fe Relocation is monitoring these changes closely to help organisations manage relocations with clarity and confidence. Recent developments include the potential reopening of Suez routing, new industry tools for disruption planning, and continuing pressures across ports, equipment quality, and regulatory compliance.

Shipping through the Red Sea shows signs of stabilising

Shipping activity through the Suez Canal and Red Sea is expected to improve following recent announcements that attacks on vessels in the region will cease. Although a de-escalation agreement has reduced incidents in recent months, many carriers continued to reroute due to misidentification risks. The latest pledge includes the suspension of missile activity that previously affected port operations in nearby areas. The pace of recovery will depend on wider regional stability, which may influence how quickly normal routing resumes.

IATA introduces a new disruption-planning framework

The International Air Transport Association’s Cargo Handling Council has released a complimentary tool designed to strengthen operational readiness across air cargo and logistics. The guidance focuses on proactive risk planning, collaboration, adaptable response models, and continuity management. It covers a wide range of potential disruptions, including cyber incidents, system failures, workforce shortages, and facility closures. Integrating this framework into quality management processes helps organisations reinforce resilience and protect service continuity.

Progress on eHGV testing in the UK

Project JOLT, run by the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight in Cambridge, is in its fifth month of testing to assess the commercial viability of eHGVs as an alternative to forty-four-tonne diesel trucks. Fleet operators, manufacturers, technology providers, and universities are taking part, with vehicles from Mercedes, Scania, DAF, and Volvo trialled across local and long-distance routes. Findings will be published in 2027, supporting wider discussions on how logistics operations can reduce emissions while maintaining service levels.

Congestion and surcharges continue across key ports

Port congestion at London Gateway and major transhipment hubs across Europe and Asia is causing delays outside the control of international movers. In addition, a low water surcharge is now applied by some carriers for shipments to Canada via the St Lawrence River. Reduced water levels limit vessel carrying capacity, prompting rate adjustments by shipping lines. These operational constraints add uncertainty to scheduling and may affect transit timelines for relocating employees.

Analysts now describe port congestion as one of the most significant operational challenges in global maritime supply chains. Major ports, especially in Europe, are seeing extended wait times that could start to push freight rates upwards again if conditions persist.

Sea-Intelligence reports that global container schedule reliability fell month on month to 61.4% in October 2025, with late vessels arriving nearly five days behind schedule on average. Although still better than a year ago, this indicates that reliability remains fragile for planning international relocations.

European strikes and port congestion

Belgium has experienced a three-day national strike across transport and public services, disrupting freight flows through Antwerp and Zeebrugge and putting extra pressure on the Benelux logistics corridor. Reports highlight queues of inbound and outbound vessels at Antwerp-Bruges and warn of knock-on congestion as services are rescheduled in the following weeks.

New ICS2 requirements add complexity for HHG shipments

The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) now affects all shipments transiting an EU port after departing the UK. The EU has added “household goods and personal effects” to its watch list, aimed at reducing mis declared cargo. While individuals relocating their residence are not the target, fully compliant shipments may still be rejected while carriers work through the new rules with regulators. This may lead to administrative delays while movers and carriers resolve documentation issues.

Container equipment quality is declining

Container quality issues have accelerated due to the increased volumes required to service Asia trades diverted via the Cape of Good Hope. More containers are being delivered in unsuitable condition for household goods, resulting in rejections, missed vessels, and additional haulage costs. Although carriers typically provide replacements, the knock-on delays affect collection schedules and onward planning for corporate relocations. These trends mirror earlier observations across recent updates.

Strategic guidance for organisations

Businesses planning international relocations should take practical steps to manage operational risk:

• Plan early and secure capacity. Congestion, routing changes, and equipment shortages continue to affect transit times. Early booking provides more flexibility.
• Strengthen documentation and compliance. ICS2 requirements and evolving customs rules reinforce the need for complete, accurate paperwork before departure.
• Budget for potential surcharges and delays. Low water surcharges, port congestion, and container replacements can introduce unexpected costs.
• Stay close to your relocation partner. Regular communication allows faster route adjustments, earlier visibility of risks, and proactive case management across shipments.

At Santa Fe Relocation, we continue to monitor global shipping markets, policy changes and industry innovations to provide our clients with accurate intelligence and practical solutions.

Henk Schutte
Head of Logistics
henk.schutte@santaferelo.com

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