CMA CGM Tightens D&D Free Time in Northern Europe: How Shippers Can Stay Ahead of Rising Costs

Starting January 1, 2026, CMA CGM has announced significant changes to its Demurrage & Detention (D&D) policy for major Northern European hub ports, including France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The new policy sharply reduces free storage and container usage time and introduces a tiered charging structure, increasing cost exposure for importers and freight forwarders operating on China–Europe trade lanes.

Against the backdrop of port congestion and extended transit times, working with an experienced China–Europe logistics partner has become essential to maintaining cost control and delivery reliability.

1. Key Policy Changes: Free Time Significantly Reduced

• Netherlands ports: Free demurrage & detention reduced from 7 days to 4 days, charges apply from Day 5
• Germany ports: Same as the Netherlands, 4 free days, charges from Day 5
• Belgium ports: 5 free days, charges from Day 6
• France ports:
  • Demurrage free time: 5 days
  • Detention free time: 4 days

Overall, free time at Northern European ports has been nearly halved, leaving much less margin for customs clearance, container pickup, and inland delivery.

2. Tiered Charges: Costs Escalate Quickly

CMA CGM has adopted a progressive tiered charging model. Using the Netherlands as an example:

• Days 5–11: RMB 228 per container per day
• Days 12–15: RMB 454.5 per container per day
• Day 16 and beyond: RMB 909 per container per day

The policy applies to 20’, 40’, and 45’ standard dry containers for non-hazardous import cargo.

In congested port conditions, even minor delays can result in substantial D&D costs accumulating rapidly.

3. Why CMA CGM Made the Adjustment

Industry data shows persistent congestion at major Northern European ports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp:

• Extended vessel waiting times
• Yard utilization approaching capacity limits
• Terminal productivity remaining below pre-pandemic levels

In addition, Red Sea disruptions have forced many Europe-bound vessels to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, lengthening transit times and concentrating vessel arrivals at Northern European hubs.

To protect schedule reliability and accelerate container circulation, carriers are increasingly tightening free time and shifting part of the operational burden downstream.

4. What This Means for China–Europe Shippers

For freight forwarders and importers, the impact is immediate and measurable.

Example: a 40’ container from China to Rotterdam

• Old policy: 7 free days, 10 days total dwell time → approx. RMB 2,280 in D&D
• New policy: 4 free days, 10 days total dwell time → over RMB 6,840 in D&D

An increase of more than 200%. When combined with port storage, congestion surcharges, or re-routing costs, total per-container expenses can easily exceed RMB 10,000.

5. How goodship56 Supports Stable China–Europe Shipping

In an environment of tightening free time and rising port costs, operational capability and risk awareness matter more than headline freight rates.

goodship56 provides reliable China–Europe shipping solutions by leveraging the following strengths:

• Deep expertise in China–Europe trade lanes
  Long-term focus on Europe-bound shipments with strong familiarity in Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, and Le Havre port procedures.
• Stable carrier partnerships
  Access to multiple mainstream carriers allows flexible vessel selection and avoidance of high-risk congestion windows.
• Efficient destination coordination
  Close cooperation with European agents and customs brokers to accelerate clearance and container pickup within free time.
• Transparent cost management
  Early-stage D&D risk assessment and cost visibility help shippers plan budgets and avoid unexpected charges.

Conclusion

CMA CGM’s D&D adjustment is not an isolated event, but part of a broader shift in the Europe shipping market. With reduced free time and persistent congestion, traditional low-price strategies are no longer sufficient.

Choosing a logistics partner with strong China–Europe operational control, local coordination, and proactive risk management is key to maintaining cost stability and delivery performance.

goodship56 will continue to monitor carrier policies and European port conditions, providing shippers with reliable, transparent, and resilient logistics solutions.