From February 17, 2026, China will be celebrating the Year of the Horse. In practice, this means a temporary pause in production, closed factories, and reduced exports in international logistics. This will also have a direct impact on container flows to Europe and the availability of inland shipping capacity. Those who plan ahead now will avoid delays and take advantage of opportunities in the hinterland.
When is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17 this year. Many companies and ports in China often close earlier and continue to operate at half capacity for several days afterwards. As a result, exports often come to a virtual standstill for two to three weeks. This slows down container flows to European ports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp, which has consequences for inland shipping logistics.
What does this mean for container flows and barge planning?
In the weeks before Chinese New Year, demand for transport increases. Many companies want to ship their goods quickly. This leads to:
- Full ships and peak loads
- Higher rates
- Cancelled sailings (black sailings)
Chinese New Year is often followed by a dip in supply, after which ships arrive en masse. This creates sudden peaks at deep-sea terminals, with the risk of delays in handling and in the subsequent inland shipping.
What does this mean in concrete terms for inland shipping?
The supply of containers is becoming less predictable. Ships are arriving later or all at once. This disrupts planned barge connections and can lead to:
- Extra waiting time at seaports
- Peaks in transshipment at inland terminals
- Pressure on available barge capacity
Inland shipping remains a reliable and sustainable alternative to road transport during this period. This is especially true if you bundle your cargo flows intelligently, use fixed connections, and actively anticipate the arrival dates of deep-sea ships.
Tips: how to prepare your inland shipping logistics properly
🗓️ Plan ahead
Check your supplier’s closing dates in China well in advance. Book your shipments well in advance and take longer transit times into account.
🚢 Bundle smartly via inland shipping
Combine regional cargo and make use of fixed barge connections. This will prevent unnecessary truck movements and allow you to maintain control over your chain.
📊 Actively track ship arrivals
Use real-time tools to monitor deep-sea arrivals. This will allow you to adjust your inland shipping schedules more quickly if sailing schedules change.
⏱️ Use flexible time windows
Where possible and available, make smart use of night or weekend openings at terminals to spread peaks and avoid congestion.
📦 Avoid unnecessary costs
Tight planning prevents demurrage or detention. Make sure you remove containers quickly as soon as they become available.
What makes Chinese New Year 2026 particularly challenging?
In addition to the usual export peak and delays around CNY, there are other factors this year that may impact your inland shipping planning:
- Changing shipping routes to Europe
Due to tensions in the Red Sea, some shipping companies are avoiding the Suez Canal. This results in 7 to 10 days longer sailing times and unpredictable arrivals. - Winter weather and sailing restrictions
February is prone to fog, wind, and high water. This can lead to delays or temporary blockages on rivers. - Pressure on container availability
Empty containers become scarce prior to Chinese New Year. It is therefore important to reserve barge capacity in good time. - Shortage of personnel and resources
Not only terminals, but also truckers and planners are in short supply. Inland shipping is often the more stable link, but pressure is increasing there too.
Want to avoid delays? Then now is the time to fine-tune your inland shipping strategy. By planning ahead and bundling smartly, you can avoid even more surprises in February and March.
Smart anticipation is half the battle
Chinese New Year is a fixed factor in the logistics calendar every year. Those who anticipate this in advance can avoid bottlenecks in the chain and take advantage of reliable barge connections. Would you like to know what this means for your planning in concrete terms? Please contact for up-to-date insights and bundling options.