## Company Profile HANKYU HANSHIN EXPRESS (NETHERLANDS) B.V. — Netherlands branch of Japanese-origin global freight forwarder Hankyu Hanshin Express. Operating in Rotterdam/Schiphol gateway markets, the NL entity provides ocean and air forwarding, customs handling, warehousing/fulfilment and temperature-controlled logistics support for Asia–Europe trade flows. Acts as a local hub for Asia–Europe imports routed via Rotterdam and time‑sensitive air flows via Schiphol; serves importers, e‑commerce shippers and agri‑food/perishable exporters using NL gateways. ## Pain Points 1) Operational disruption & customer pressure from Asia–Europe route volatility: Cape diversions and blank sailings in 2026 are increasing transit times, rate volatility and space uncertainty on Asia–Rotterdam/Amsterdam lanes — customers will ask for expedited alternatives, origin diversification and guaranteed execution. 2) Compliance & data burden from EU Customs reform: The new Union Customs Code, the EU Customs Data Hub rollout in 2026, abolition of de‑minimis (1 July 2026) and handling fees (1 Nov 2026) force forwarders to capture and transmit more granular data and take on higher compliance risk — smaller shippers will need a digital channel that removes that burden. 3) Cold‑chain capacity & modal‑split pressure: Growing demand for reefer capacity into Rotterdam and time‑sensitive perishables via Schiphol (plus some short‑term modal shifts to air) will pressure Hankyu Hanshin’s resources and its clients’ need for integrated sea–air and guaranteed‑space solutions. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] Europe–Asia container trade 2026: volumes, routing via Rotterdam, Red Sea/Suez alternatives, blank sailings === **Overall Asia–Europe trade lane in early 2026** - Asia–Europe container volumes have remained **surprisingly resilient in Q1 2026** despite continued diversions away from the Red Sea/Suez; demand for goods has broadly offset the capacity loss and higher costs associated with longer routings.([ports.marinelink.com](https://ports.marinelink.com/ports/port/egegik/news/asia-europe-container-volumes-resilience-red-sea-rerouting-q1-2026?utm_source=openai)) - S&P Global’s 2026 outlook notes that the **Asia–Europe and Asia–Mediterranean trades are among the most exposed** to the Red Sea/Suez situation, with 2026 scenarios ranging from normalization (lower rates, more capacity) to renewed disruption that could keep rates “elevated and volatile.”([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) - Container spot rates on Asia–North Europe (PCR1/FBX11-type indices) entered 2026 **well above pre‑Red Sea levels**, supported by: - Early pre‑Lunar New Year front‑loading - Carriers **maintaining blank sailings and capacity discipline** - Ongoing rerouting around Africa (Cape of Good Hope) on a large share of sailings([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) **Impact of Red Sea / Suez instability & routing patterns** - Since late 2023, most mainline carriers have **avoided the Red Sea/Suez** on Asia–Europe, Asia–Med, and Asia–US East Coast services, diverting via the **Cape of Good Hope** and adding 7–10 days to transit times and thousands of nautical miles.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/03/middle-east-war-impacts-container-shipping?utm_source=openai)) - In early 2026 some carriers cautiously tested **limited Suez/Red Sea transits**, but the **Strait of Hormuz/Red Sea flare‑ups in Feb–Mar 2026** and announcements from Houthi‑controlled Yemen about resuming attacks forced renewed diversions, reinforcing the Cape route as the de‑facto standard for much of Q1–Q2 2026.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Strait_of_Hormuz_crisis?utm_source=openai)) - A number of 2026 industry outlooks quantify the **rate effect**: - S&P Global and other analysts describe a “Red Sea premium” of **~USD 800–1,500/FEU** on trades historically using Suez (Asia–US East Coast, Asia–Med), with **Asia–Europe spot rates still ~USD 2,500–2,800/FEU to North Europe and ~USD 3,500–3,800/FEU to Med** in March–April 2026, depending on index.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/container-shipping-forecast-2026-rates-routes-risk/?utm_source=openai)) - China maritime weekly updates in March 2026 reported **Europe rates for 40' HC approaching USD 4,000** on some lanes amid tight space and rolling, driven by blank sailings and risk pricing.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/supplychain/comments/1rrlspt/china_maritime_weekly_report_red_sea_shipping/?utm_source=openai)) **Role of Rotterdam and network re‑shaping** - The **Port of Rotterdam 2026 Container Market Outlook** (Port of Rotterdam Authority + Xeneta) highlights: - **Overall container imports via Rotterdam up 3.9%**, with **full containers from Asia up 9.3%** and from North America up 16% (2025 vs previous year), reflecting its strengthening as a **deep‑sea hub**.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/rotterdam-volumes-shift-as-carrier-networks-reshape-trade/?utm_source=openai)) - Between 2020 and 2025, the gap between imports and exports widened by **1.47 million TEU**, increasing empty flows and making Rotterdam a **key repositioning hub**. - Carriers are further consolidating to a **hub‑and‑spoke model**, concentrating Asia–Europe mainline calls at large hubs like Rotterdam while using feeders for Scandinavia, the Baltics and secondary continental ports.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/rotterdam-volumes-shift-as-carrier-networks-reshape-trade/?utm_source=openai)) - The Port of Rotterdam’s own 2026 white paper describes: - Two years after the Red Sea escalation, routing is still unsettled, with **Cape diversions remaining common**. - Scenario where a Red Sea reopening in late 2026 would cause **“vessel bunching”** as Cape‑routed vessels converge with returning Suez services, risking congestion at major North Europe hubs (Rotterdam, Antwerp‑Bruges, Hamburg).([portofrotterdam.com](https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/container-outlook-white-paper_0.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Blank sailings and capacity management** - Analysts consistently flag **aggressive blank sailings** on Asia–Europe in late 2025 and into 2026: - S&P Global’s Q1 2026 container quarterly notes carriers maintained **blank sailings through the pre‑CNY peak**, contributing to firmer spot rates into January.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) - Freight forwarding market commentary (April 2026) characterizes blank sailings as a deliberate strategy to **“market scarcity and defend rate floors”** even with relatively soft underlying demand.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/FreightRight/comments/1sm7dvh/space_tightens_on_chinaus_routes_despite_weak/?utm_source=openai)) - March 2026 China–EU updates mention **blank sailings on West Mediterranean loops (PA alliance)** and capacity limitations on East Med services, pushing 20' GP above **USD 2,000** and 40' HC towards **USD 4,000**.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/supplychain/comments/1rrlspt/china_maritime_weekly_report_red_sea_shipping/?utm_source=openai)) **Alternative routes and modal shifts** - With Red Sea instability persisting, shippers have explored: - **Cape of Good Hope** as the primary ocean alternative (now normalized in many schedules). - **Rail and multimodal Europe–Asia corridors** via Russia/Central Asia remain politically and sanctions‑sensitive; uptake is limited and highly cargo‑specific. - A recent routing comparison (Suez vs Cape vs Northern Sea Route) quantifies that: - Cape routes add **~30–40% distance and time** versus Suez for North Europe–Northeast Asia pairs, with proportional increases in fuel and emissions. - The Northern Sea Route remains seasonal and is not yet a reliable commercial substitute for container flows at scale.([arxiv.org](https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.01076?utm_source=openai)) **Implications specific to agri‑food and cold‑chain** - Longer Cape routings and schedule unreliability have: - Increased the **working capital tied up in pipeline inventory** for Europe–Asia agri‑food flows. - Pushed some **high‑value perishables** (e.g., fresh seafood, berries, exotics) towards **air freight or shorter regional sourcing**, while **frozen and processed items** remain on ocean with higher reefer allocation and tighter cold‑chain risk controls. - Encouraged use of **Northern European hubs (Rotterdam, Hamburg) with strong reefer infrastructure** for consolidation and redistribution to EU hinterlands. **Section 1 sources:** ([ports.marinelink.com](https://ports.marinelink.com/ports/port/egegik/news/asia-europe-container-volumes-resilience-red-sea-rerouting-q1-2026?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [DEMAND SIGNALS] Netherlands 2026 – cold‑chain perishables, e‑commerce, air vs sea (Schiphol & Rotterdam) === *(Direct, very recent synthetic overviews on “Netherlands 2026 cold‑chain + e‑commerce” are sparse, so this triangulates from Dutch port/airport data, EU logistics analyses and trade reports. Where figures are 2024–2025, I focus on signals explicitly projected into 2026.)* **Rotterdam: container and reefer‑relevant developments** - As noted above, **imports through Rotterdam grew 3.9%**, with **full imports from Asia +9.3%** and from North America +16%, underscoring the port’s growing role as a **gateway for consumer goods, food and e‑commerce flows** into Northwest Europe.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/rotterdam-volumes-shift-as-carrier-networks-reshape-trade/?utm_source=openai)) - The 2026 Rotterdam outlook emphasizes: - Continued growth in **“cargo segments with high added value and demanding logistics, including fresh produce and foodstuffs”**, leveraging the port’s extensive **reefer plug capacity and cold‑stores in the Maasvlakte/Europoort cluster**. - Increasing importance of **hub‑and‑spoke feedering** into Scandinavia, UK/Ireland and the Baltics, which is particularly relevant for **imported fruit/vegetables, meat and frozen seafood** destined beyond the Benelux.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/rotterdam-volumes-shift-as-carrier-networks-reshape-trade/?utm_source=openai)) **Amsterdam Schiphol: perishables and e‑commerce air cargo trends** - Schiphol has historically been one of Europe’s top **perishable air cargo hubs** (flowers, fruit, fish). While detailed 2026 tonnage is not yet fully published, airport and forwarder commentary for winter 2025/26 suggests: - **Strong demand in high‑value perishables** (e.g., fresh berries and exotics from Latin America and Africa) despite structural pressure from sustainability policies. - Ongoing **shift in the commodity mix**, with **e‑commerce parcels now one of the fastest‑growing segments**, driven by cross‑border B2C from Asia into the EU. - EU‑wide air cargo analyses for 2026 show: - **E‑commerce accounts for an estimated 30–40% of international air parcel volumes** on some Asia–Europe routes, with major hubs including **Schiphol and Liege** for the Benelux catchment.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **Air vs sea freight for Dutch‑linked flows in 2026** - With **Europe–Asia ocean transit times extended** and volatility persisting, shippers are using **“modal split” strategies**: - High‑margin, time‑sensitive SKUs (electronics, fashion, pharma, specific perishables) prioritized on air via Schiphol. - Bulkier or lower‑value cargo (canned foods, frozen meat/fish, feed ingredients, agro‑inputs) remain by sea via Rotterdam and other North Sea ports. - Market commentary in early 2026 notes: - A **modest shift of some Asia–EU e‑commerce and higher‑value perishables from sea to air** during periods of severe schedule disruption, but **no structural replacement** of ocean by air due to cost. - Instead, a **greater use of expedited ocean products** (fast services, guaranteed space) and **integrated sea–air solutions** (e.g. Asia–Middle East by sea, then air into Europe when Gulf routings are less affected).([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **Cold‑chain specific signals (Netherlands & EU)** - EU logistics analyses (e.g. EY TradeWatch, ICC Netherlands) stress that: - The Netherlands is expected to **“compete aggressively for e‑commerce and high‑value logistics hubs”** under the new EU customs/data‑hub regime, which structurally favors countries with **advanced digital customs, established fulfillment centers and strong cold‑chain infrastructure**—all Dutch strengths.([iccwbo.nl](https://www.iccwbo.nl/news/the-new-eu-customs-code?utm_source=openai)) - Dutch stakeholders (e.g., TLN and ICC NL) highlight the combined effect of **growing EU import requirements for food safety, CBAM/ESG, and digital data submission** as drivers of **consolidation towards technologically advanced gateway hubs**—again pointing to **Rotterdam/Schiphol as winners** for temperature‑controlled and compliance‑heavy agri‑food flows.([iccwbo.nl](https://www.iccwbo.nl/news/the-new-eu-customs-code?utm_source=openai)) - While precise 2026 percentage growth rates in Dutch cold‑chain volumes are not yet visible, forward‑looking commentary consistently points to: - **Rising demand for reefer capacity** into North‑West Europe, especially for **fresh fruit/vegetables, meat, and frozen seafood** via Rotterdam. - Continued role of **Schiphol as a critical gateway for time‑sensitive perishables and e‑commerce**, even as airlines and regulators push for **de‑carbonization and better load factors**, which could put **cost pressure on very low‑margin fresh items** over the medium term. **Implications for agri‑food & e‑commerce players using NL gateways** - For exporters into the Netherlands (and EU via NL) in 2026: - **Ocean (Rotterdam) remains the backbone** for most food commodities; expect **ongoing volatility in transit time and rates** until Red Sea conditions normalize. - **Schiphol** is likely to **tighten its focus** on: - High‑margin perishables (premium fruit, seafood, floriculture) - Cross‑border e‑commerce parcels - Dutch gateways are positioning themselves as **digital‑first, compliance‑heavy nodes** for EU‑wide distribution, which may **concentrate cold‑chain flows** but also increases **data and documentation requirements**. **Section 2 sources:** ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) === 3. [TIMING SIGNALS] EU / Netherlands customs & trade policy 2026 – eFTI, digitalization, compliance impact on forwarders === **New EU Customs Code / Union Customs Code revision (political agreement March 26, 2026)** - On **26 March 2026**, the Council and European Parliament reached **political agreement on a new Union Customs Code (UCC)**, described as the most far‑reaching customs reform since the 1968 Customs Union.([consilium.europa.eu](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/modernising-the-eu-customs-union/?utm_source=openai)) - Key pillars include: - Creation of an **EU Customs Data Hub** – a **single central digital platform** where businesses submit customs data **once for all Member States**, replacing much of today’s fragmented national filing. The hub will commence operations in **2026**, with phased roll‑out through the late 2020s.([consilium.europa.eu](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/modernising-the-eu-customs-union/?utm_source=openai)) - Establishment of an **EU Customs Authority (EUCA)** based in Lille, expected to be formally set up around **late 2026** (Oct–Nov timeframe for formal adoption and OJ publication).([iccwbo.nl](https://www.iccwbo.nl/news/the-new-eu-customs-code?utm_source=openai)) - Introduction of a new **“Trust & Check” operator status** for highly compliant traders, granting **simplified procedures and reduced interventions** in exchange for very granular, real‑time data sharing.([beleidsradar.nl](https://www.beleidsradar.nl/documenten/politiek-akkoord-nieuw-douanewetboek-van-de-unie-252e6280-1012-4924-859c-87b76ee3702f?utm_source=openai)) **E‑commerce and low‑value shipments – 2026 timing** - The reform specifically targets e‑commerce: - **Abolition of the de‑minimis duty exemption** for low‑value imports (currently €150) from **1 July 2026**, meaning **all consignments into the EU will be dutiable**, regardless of value.([tln.nl](https://www.tln.nl/actueel/eu-bereikt-akkoord-over-ingrijpende-hervorming-douanestelsel?utm_source=openai)) - Introduction of an **EU‑wide “Union Handling Fee” (UHF)** or similar customs handling fee for small e‑commerce shipments from **1 November 2026**, designed to reflect processing costs and discourage under‑valuation and fragmentation.([tln.nl](https://www.tln.nl/actueel/eu-bereikt-akkoord-over-ingrijpende-hervorming-douanestelsel?utm_source=openai)) - Creation of a specific regime for **“Customs Warehouse for Distance Sales” (CWDS)**, enabling large e‑commerce platforms to centralize stock and declarations while bearing more responsibility for compliance.([beleidsradar.nl](https://www.beleidsradar.nl/documenten/politiek-akkoord-nieuw-douanewetboek-van-de-unie-252e6280-1012-4924-859c-87b76ee3702f?utm_source=openai)) **eFTI and customs digitalization interface** - The EU’s **electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation** (adopted earlier) requires Member States to **accept freight information in digital form**, with implementation milestones through the mid‑2020s. - The new customs package aligns closely with eFTI by: - Mandating **digital data exchange** for customs, transit, safety & security declarations via the **EU Customs Data Hub**, which can integrate with: - **ICS2** advanced cargo information system - **NCTS Phase 6** for transit (including the option to include ENS particulars in transit declarations; several Member States started deployment in early 2026).([searates.com](https://www.searates.com/de/blog/post/eu-customs-rules-2026-ics2-cbam?utm_source=openai)) - Encouraging integration with **Digital Product Passport** systems, CBAM reporting, and other ESG‑linked trade data, which will increase the **breadth and granularity of data** freight forwarders must capture and transmit.([iccwbo.nl](https://www.iccwbo.nl/news/the-new-eu-customs-code?utm_source=openai)) **ICS2, CBAM and 2026 compliance escalations** - **ICS2 (Import Control System 2)** – by 2026, new phases require: - **Full, high‑quality pre‑loading and pre‑arrival data** (including 6‑digit or higher HS codes, detailed descriptions) for all modes. - Forwarders and carriers to act as **“data gatekeepers”**; poor data can trigger holds or refusal of loading.([searates.com](https://www.searates.com/de/blog/post/eu-customs-rules-2026-ics2-cbam?utm_source=openai)) - **CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)**: - Moves from transitional reporting to **full financial obligations** over 2026–2027 for several carbon‑intensive sectors (cement, fertilizers, iron & steel, aluminum, electricity, hydrogen), with **increasing reliance on digital customs/data‑hub interfaces** to report embedded emissions and CBAM certificates.([searates.com](https://www.searates.com/de/blog/post/eu-customs-rules-2026-ics2-cbam?utm_source=openai)) **Specific Dutch perspective (Netherlands as an EU gateway)** - Dutch industry body **TLN** (Transport en Logistiek Nederland) notes that: - The EU customs reform centers on the **EU Customs Data Hub** and will force changes in how Dutch logistics service providers manage data and responsibilities. - From **1 November 2026**, the **EU‑wide handling fee on small e‑commerce shipments** and the abolishment of de‑minimis will meaningfully impact: - Dutch **postal operators** - **Express couriers** at Schiphol - **Fulfillment centers** in the Netherlands serving the EU.([tln.nl](https://www.tln.nl/actueel/eu-bereikt-akkoord-over-ingrijpende-hervorming-douanestelsel?utm_source=openai)) - The Dutch policy brief on the new Union Customs Code highlights: - The Netherlands supports the reform but is focused on **clarifying roles between EUCA, the EU Data Hub, and national Customs**, with ongoing discussion through 2026 about practical implementation and IT readiness.([beleidsradar.nl](https://www.beleidsradar.nl/documenten/politiek-akkoord-nieuw-douanewetboek-van-de-unie-252e6280-1012-4924-859c-87b76ee3702f?utm_source=openai)) **Impact on freight forwarders and logistics operators (2026–onward)** - **Data & IT investments:** - Forwarders, customs brokers and 3PLs in the Netherlands will need to: - Integrate with the **EU Customs Data Hub** and upgraded **NCTS/ICS2** systems. - Capture **more granular product, origin, value, and ESG data** (including for CBAM goods and potentially for Digital Product Passports). - EY’s 2026 TradeWatch stresses that large multinationals are already moving towards **centralized EU customs governance**, while **smaller operators may rely more heavily on specialized customs representatives**.([ey.com](https://www.ey.com/content/dam/ey-unified-site/ey-com/en-gl/services/tax/documents/ey-gl-tradewatch-full-report-05-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Liability and role changes:** - E‑commerce reforms shift a significant portion of compliance responsibility from small consignees to **platforms, marketplaces, and their logistics partners**, increasing: - **Due‑diligence obligations** for Dutch forwarders handling distance sales - The need for **real‑time data quality controls**. - **Timing signals to watch in 2026:** - **Q2–Q3 2026:** finalization and publication of the new UCC regulation; more detailed implementing acts on: - Data structures for the EU Customs Data Hub - Criteria and obligations for **Trust & Check** operators. - **1 July 2026:** end of the **€150 de‑minimis duty exemption**. - **1 November 2026:** planned start of **EU‑wide handling fee** regime for small consignments. - **Ongoing 2026–2027:** phased deployment of **NCTS Phase 6**, further **ICS2 requirements**, and ramp‑up of **CBAM financial compliance**. **Section 3 sources:** ([consilium.europa.eu](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/modernising-the-eu-customs-union/?utm_source=openai))