## Company Profile SFT GONDRAND FRERES — freight forwarder operating in France (part of the Gondrand forwarding network). Provides multimodal freight services (ocean, air, road/rail), customs clearance and commercial support for exporters/importers. Likely handles agri‑food and general cargo for French shippers (given Gondrand’s typical portfolio). Public evidence shows Brexit/advice materials (internal client communications) indicating work on cross‑border trade flows. Scale not explicitly public in the lead file; positionally a regional/national forwarder within France with access to HAROPA/Le Havre and Marseille/Fos corridors. ## Pain Points 1) Short‑notice labour disruptions at Marseille‑Fos and Le Havre are creating immediate re‑routing needs for time‑sensitive exporters (berries, fresh produce, some dairy). This forces forwarders to find alternative ports/air uplift quickly and manage buyer/supplier expectations. 2) Peak Q2–Q3 reefer and cool‑chain demand for berries and early fruit harvests risks capacity pinch and service unreliability; forwarders must secure prioritized slots and contingency air options for high‑value clients. 3) Shippers are diversifying gateways (North Range vs Med) and centralising customs in Benelux/Germany; SFT Gondrand Freres may lose volume if it cannot offer rapid multi‑gateway booking and cross‑border consolidation services. Tridge Ark can act as the managed delivery and sourcing channel to originate exporters needing these capabilities. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === [MARKET EVENTS] Europe freight forwarding market 2026 – capacity, routing & congestion affecting France === **Overall Europe–France freight environment 2026** - Global container capacity entering 2026 is ample but “effective capacity” on Europe trades is constrained by routing risks (Suez uncertainty, Red Sea), EU ETS costs, and selective blank sailings. S&P Global’s 2026 outlook highlights softer underlying demand but ongoing volatility, particularly on Asia–Europe lanes.([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)) - Drewry and other forecasters generally expect 2026 ocean freight to be a “soft rate but high‑risk” year: rates structurally below the 2021–22 peaks, yet sensitive to any renewed disruptions that pull capacity off Europe strings.([ports.marinelink.com](https://ports.marinelink.com/ports/port/egegik/news/drewry-forecasts-stable-global-container-freight-rates-for-q1-2026?utm_source=openai)) **Capacity & routing patterns into France (Marseille/Fos & Le Havre)** - **North–South split & origin switching:** - Suez/Red Sea risk continues to push a share of Asia–Med services either via the Cape of Good Hope or into **northern range ports (Le Havre, Antwerp, Rotterdam)** where rail/road backhaul into France is used as a hedge against Med delays. S&P Global notes carriers maintaining contingency routings and ad‑hoc port omissions on Asia–Med and Asia–North Europe strings in early 2026.([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)) - For shippers into southern France/Italy/Spain, forwarders increasingly promote **split routings** (e.g., Asia–North Europe by sea, then barge/rail to France; or transshipment via Algeciras/Valencia) to avoid potential chokepoints in the eastern Med. - **Marseille‑Fos:** - The port was directly affected by a strike call on 31 March 2026 linked to the Kem One dispute at Fos‑sur‑Mer, with unions threatening stoppages at France’s largest cargo gateway. Advisories recommended **rerouting time‑critical cargo via northern ports (Le Havre, Dunkirk) or air freight** until the labour situation stabilised.([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-03-31/fr/kem-one-dispute-sparks-strike-warning-at-port-of-marseille-fos-on-31-march/?utm_source=openai)) - Separate towage/pilotage strikes scheduled 5–6 May 2026 for Fos/Lavera/Marseille further underline that **labour disruption remains a live planning risk** for 2026 and encourages contingency routings through Le Havre and other North Range ports.([gac.com](https://www.gac.com/hot-port-news/strikes-affecting-pilotage-towage-and-mooring?utm_source=openai)) - **Le Havre / HAROPA cluster:** - HAROPA–Le Havre continues to position itself as a congestion‑relief gateway versus Antwerp–Rotterdam, with ongoing recruitment and infrastructure investment. Local coverage in April 2026 highlights thousands of logistics and port workers in the zone, with employment expansion tied to growing container throughput, though not pointing to acute congestion like in 2021–22.([lutte-ouvriere.org](https://www.lutte-ouvriere.org/journal/article/havre-embauches-portuaires-guerre-193233.html?utm_source=openai)) - For France‑bound cargo ex‑Asia and North America, forwarders increasingly use **Le Havre as a primary entry point** and then push volumes inland by barge on the Seine corridor to Paris and by rail/truck to the rest of France, especially when Marseille faces strike risk. **Congestion hotspots & modal shifts** - **Sea congestion hotspots impacting France:** - In 2026 the structural risks highlighted for Europe include **Med hubs exposed to Suez/Red Sea rerouting**, potential bunching at North Range ports, and labour‑related delays at specific French gateways (notably Marseille/Fos). S&P Global’s 2026 outlook flags port congestion as one of the key determinants of “effective capacity” on Europe lanes.([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)) - Advisory bulletins for early May 2026 warn that 24‑hour strikes in Le Havre towing/mooring, plus towage strikes in Fos/Lavera/Marseille, can temporarily reduce berth availability and extend waiting times.([gac.com](https://www.gac.com/hot-port-news/strikes-affecting-pilotage-towage-and-mooring?utm_source=openai)) - **Air cargo via CDG (and other hubs):** - While specific 2026 CDG statistics are still emerging, Pan‑European aviation commentary indicates **gradual recovery of bellyhold capacity** on long‑haul passenger routes and a normalization of freighter deployments, which together keep overall Europe airfreight capacity above 2021–22 constrained levels. This reduces structural congestion but exerts downwards pressure on rates, particularly on the transatlantic and Asia–Europe sectors.([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)) - For time‑sensitive French agri‑food (berries, high‑value dairy, specialty foods), freight forwarders increasingly **dual‑source uplift** (CDG plus secondary EU hubs such as LGG, BRU, FRA) to de‑risk any localized disruption at CDG. **Trends in shipper behavior – origins/destinations 2026** - **Origin diversification into/within Europe:** - With EU ETS and environmental charges making **Asia–Europe routings more expensive**, some non‑EU shippers are redirecting European distribution to **central hubs (Benelux, Germany)** and then feeding France by road/rail rather than via direct French ports, to consolidate volumes and manage customs centrally.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/container-shipping-forecast-2026-rates-routes-risk/?utm_source=openai)) - Certain intra‑EU flows (e.g., from Spain/Italy fresh produce) are seeing **greater use of short‑sea and intermodal rail services** to northern France rather than long‑haul trucking, partly to mitigate driver shortages and emissions‑related road constraints. - **Destination rebalancing for exports from France:** - On the export side, freight forwarders are promoting **“multi‑gateway” strategies** for French exporters (e.g., Le Havre + Antwerp/Rotterdam) to ensure continuity for key lanes (UK, North America, Asia) if French ports are disrupted. The 2026 ocean‑freight outlook stresses that shippers who can shift routings quickly will secure more predictable capacity and cost outcomes.([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)) **Key implications for 2026 freight forwarding strategies touching France** - Expect **adequate nominal capacity but episodic congestion** tied to strikes and geopolitical routing changes; cost differentials between North Range vs Med gateways may widen due to EU ETS and longer Cape routings. - Shippers into/out of France are increasingly: - Splitting volumes between **Marseille/Fos and Le Havre/Benelux**; - Building **air–sea or road–rail contingency plans** with CDG plus at least one alternative EU air hub; - Negotiating contracts with clauses that allow port substitution without rate surcharges when labour disruptions hit specific French ports.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/container-shipping-forecast-2026-rates-routes-risk/?utm_source=openai)) === [COMMODITY TRENDS] French agricultural exports – wine, dairy, fresh produce, 2024–2026 signals === *Direct 2026‑only French commodity data are still limited; most official statistics now available are 2024 provisional and 2025 EU‑level. Below I focus on France‑specific 2024 export structure plus 2025–26 directional signals for 2026 planning.* **French agri‑food export structure (latest France‑level data)** - The 2025 English “Mémento de statistique agricole” from the French ministry (Agreste) provides provisional 2024 extra‑EU export values by product: - **Beverages, wines and spirits:** €13.1 billion (top category). - **Cereals:** €5.4 billion. - **Milk and dairy products:** €1.9 billion. - **Fruit & vegetables** are spread across “sundry food preparations”, “cereals‑based products”, and specific fresh categories; apples and other fruit are significant within overall horticultural exports.([agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr](https://agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr/agreste-web/download/publication/publie/MemSta2025-en/Memento-2025%20_version-anglaise.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - EU‑level agri‑food trade data for 2025 show: - Agri‑food exports at record levels with the UK as the **leading export destination (23.3% / €55.6 billion of EU agri‑food exports)**, followed by the US, Switzerland and China. Dairy and wine are stated as core drivers of this performance.([ec.europa.eu](https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20260512-2?utm_source=openai)) - This aligns with France’s own pattern, where **wine & spirits and dairy** are structurally the largest positive contributors to France’s agri‑food trade surplus. **Wine exports – volumes, prices, destinations** - France remains the largest individual EU wine exporter. EU trade analysis shows wine among the top three contributors to the EU’s agri‑food surplus in 2025, with strong performance particularly in **UK, US, and China**.([agriculture.ec.europa.eu](https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/media/news/eu-agri-food-trade-hits-new-records-2025-2026-03-13_en?utm_source=openai)) - For France specifically, provisional 2024 extra‑EU wine/beverage exports (€13.1 bn) represent roughly **one‑third of France’s extra‑EU agri‑food export value**, underscoring continued high dependence on this category.([agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr](https://agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr/agreste-web/download/publication/publie/MemSta2025-en/Memento-2025%20_version-anglaise.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Price-wise, industry commentary through late 2025 and early 2026 suggests: - **Average export unit values for higher‑end AOP wines are holding or slightly down**, reflecting demand normalization after the post‑COVID boom and inventory overhangs in some markets. - More competitive pricing pressure is visible in mid‑range wines targeting supermarket channels in the **UK and Northern Europe**, where private‑label and New World competition have intensified. **Dairy exports – volumes & markets** - EU‑wide data for 2025 show dairy products (including cheese, powders, whey) as a major component of agri‑food exports, with the UK, North Africa, Middle East and ASEAN as key demand regions.([agricolae.eu](https://agricolae.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/short-term-outlook-summer-2025_en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - The Agreste 2025 statistical memorandum lists **milk and dairy exports from France at €1.9 bn (extra‑EU, 2024 provisional)**, making dairy France’s third‑largest extra‑EU agri‑food export after cereals and beverages/spirits.([agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr](https://agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr/agreste-web/download/publication/publie/MemSta2025-en/Memento-2025%20_version-anglaise.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - EU short‑term outlooks show **solid external demand for EU cheese and whey** in North America and Asia, while SMP/WMP exports are more volatile and sensitive to global price cycles. France, as a large cheese exporter, benefits particularly from **UK, US, and Middle Eastern** demand.([agricolae.eu](https://agricolae.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/short-term-outlook-summer-2025_en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Fresh produce – apples & berries** - EU monitoring of pip fruit notes that **EU apple export volumes are broadly stable but values have risen on higher prices**, even as EU domestic apple consumption continues to decline.([agriculture.ec.europa.eu](https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4d22fa65-7541-400d-aa70-291225922139_en?filename=summary-fv-mo-pip-fruit-2025-5-12_en.pdf&prefLang=it&utm_source=openai)) - The same report’s section on France describes: - A structurally important apple sector, with France among the main EU exporters; - Apple exports oriented towards **EU neighbours and the UK**, plus North Africa and the Middle East, where EU shares of apple imports can exceed 20% in some markets.([agriculture.ec.europa.eu](https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4d22fa65-7541-400d-aa70-291225922139_en?filename=summary-fv-mo-pip-fruit-2025-5-12_en.pdf&prefLang=it&utm_source=openai)) - For **berries**, EU short‑term outlooks and industry data suggest: - Continued **demand growth in Northern and Western Europe** for blueberries and raspberries, much of which is met by intra‑EU trade and imports from the Southern Hemisphere. - France participates more as an intra‑EU shipper/receiver rather than a major extra‑EU berry exporter; the export signal is more about **premium niche segments** (organic, origin‑labeled berries) into nearby markets (Benelux, Germany, UK). **Price movements & 2026 directional view** - EU‑level agri‑food trade in 2025 reached **record nominal values**, driven more by **price increases than volume growth**, especially for high‑value categories (wine, specialty dairy, some fruits).([agriculture.ec.europa.eu](https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/media/news/eu-agri-food-trade-hits-new-records-2025-2026-03-13_en?utm_source=openai)) - For 2026: - **Wine:** expectation of **stable to mildly softer prices** as global stocks normalize and consumption growth slows in mature markets; premium segments remain resilient. - **Dairy:** moderately firm price environment due to **constrained EU milk output** and steady demand for cheese/whey in export markets, but SMP/WMP pricing still volatile.([franceagrimer.fr](https://www.franceagrimer.fr/chiffre-et-analyses-economiques/les-performances-lexportation-des-filieres-agricoles-et?utm_source=openai)) - **Apples:** EU projections point to relatively **tight supplies for the 2025/26 season** in some regions due to weather events (e.g., frost in Poland), potentially supporting prices for EU exporters including France.([agriculture.ec.europa.eu](https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4d22fa65-7541-400d-aa70-291225922139_en?filename=summary-fv-mo-pip-fruit-2025-5-12_en.pdf&prefLang=it&utm_source=openai)) **Key export markets for French agri‑food (signals for 2026)** - EU‑level and France‑level data together indicate the following **priority markets**: - **UK:** remains the single largest market for EU agri‑food (23.3% share), with especially high import dependence on the EU for apples (21% of EU apple exports), processed apple products, wine (23% share of EU wine exports), and tomatoes. France is a major supplier within this EU flow.([ec.europa.eu](https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20260512-2?utm_source=openai)) - **EU‑27 intra‑trade:** Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands are major partners for French wine, dairy, and fresh produce (particularly apples and berries). - **Asia & Middle East:** strong EU and French exposure in **dairy (powders, infant formula, whey)** and **wine**, especially to China, ASEAN, and Gulf states. EU outlooks show rising cereal and sugar exports to the Middle East/North Africa, with fruit (including apples) also gaining share.([agricolae.eu](https://agricolae.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/short-term-outlook-summer-2025_en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for 2026 export strategy (wine, dairy, fresh produce)** - **Wine:** protect high‑value segments (AOP, champagne) in UK, US, Asia; consider pricing and portfolio strategies for mid‑tier wines facing pressure in the UK/Northern Europe supermarket channels. - **Dairy:** leverage strong French cheese and specialty dairy branding in the UK, North America, and Middle East where EU market shares are high and relatively stable. - **Fresh produce (apples/berries):** - Maintain strong positioning in the UK and North Africa/Middle East where EU apples already command high shares. - For berries, focus on proximity and quality for nearby EU markets (Germany, Benelux, UK), leveraging improved cool‑chain and short‑sea/road links.([franceagrimer.fr](https://www.franceagrimer.fr/chiffre-et-analyses-economiques/les-performances-lexportation-des-filieres-agricoles-et?utm_source=openai)) === [TIMING SIGNALS] Freight rates & capacity trends 2026 Q1–Q3; perishables seasonality & France disruptions === **Container freight rate evolution into 2026** - **Start of 2026 (Q1):** - TrasportoEuropa reports that **average container spot rates rose sharply at the start of 2026** due to general rate increases (GRIs) on Asia–Europe and Asia–US routes, even though volumes were still subdued vs a year earlier.([trasportoeuropa.it](https://www.trasportoeuropa.it/english/sea/container-freight-rates-rise-sharply-at-the-start-of-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - S&P Global notes Asia–Europe entered 2026 with **“seasonal firmness”** driven by pre‑Lunar New Year demand and delayed GRIs, pushing spot rates higher into early January. However, long‑term contract benchmarks (e.g., PLCR1 at ~$1,700/FEU) stayed largely flat, indicating limited confidence in a sustained rally.([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)) - Drewry’s Q1 2026 Container Market Outlook projected **relative stability in container freight rates** through Q1, as new capacity balanced weaker demand.([ports.marinelink.com](https://ports.marinelink.com/ports/port/egegik/news/drewry-forecasts-stable-global-container-freight-rates-for-q1-2026?utm_source=openai)) - **Q1–Q2 2026 trends:** - A February 2026 S&P Global ocean‑freight outlook characterizes 2026 as a year of **“softer rates ahead, but volatility isn’t going anywhere”**, highlighting that any new disruption (Suez closure, labour unrest) could quickly tighten capacity and push rates up.([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)) - An April 2026 article on 2026 container shipping forecasts notes that the Drewry World Container Index had fallen to **around $2,107/FEU in late January 2026**, down 4.7% week‑on‑week, reflecting the unwinding of disruption‑driven pricing. Long‑term rates signed in Q1 2026 were already **below spot levels on many Mediterranean trades**, implying market participants expect further softening later in 2026.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/container-shipping-forecast-2026-rates-routes-risk/?utm_source=openai)) - McKinsey’s March 2026 Global Economics Intelligence shows spot rates on the Drewry World Container Index in early 2026 far below 2022 peaks, but still above some 2019 baselines, underlining a **“new normal” of moderate but volatile pricing.**([mckinsey.com](https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/business%20functions/strategy%20and%20corporate%20finance/our%20insights/global%20economics%20intelligence/global%20economics%20intelligence%20executive%20summary%20march_2026/gei_critical_trends_and_risks_march_2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Q2–Q3 2026 directional view:** - Most 2026 outlooks (Drewry, S&P Global, AlixPartners) converge on **gradually easing container rates into mid‑ and late‑2026**, conditional on the absence of major new shocks. They also warn that **effective capacity could tighten quickly** if geopolitical or labour issues emerge.([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)) - The spread between spot and contract rates is expected to narrow through H2 2026 as GRIs fade and capacity additions deliver. **Airfreight rate and capacity direction 2026** - Global commentary for 2026 indicates: - **Air cargo capacity** (belly + freighter) is above 2022 levels, as passenger networks fully recover and dedicated freighter fleets remain large; this has driven a **structural softening of airfreight yields** compared with pandemic peaks. - However, on **Asia–Europe** and **transatlantic** lanes, rates remain somewhat elevated versus 2019 due to fuel costs and capacity discipline by major carriers. Where ocean reliability dips (e.g., Suez‑related rerouting), some high‑value or time‑sensitive flows temporarily shift to air, causing **short‑term spikes**. - For perishables into/out of France, this means: **CDG and alternative EU hubs** (BRU, LGG, FRA) generally offer adequate lift in 2026, but specific weeks around **peak fruit seasons** or when French port strikes occur can see temporary air rate surcharges. **Seasonal peaks for perishables affecting France (2026)** - **French/European growing and export windows:** - **Apples:** EU pip fruit outlooks underline that apples remain a core export item, with harvest in autumn and main export flows from **Q4 2025 into Q1 2026 (Northern Hemisphere)**, continuing into spring depending on storage. Tightness in the 2025/26 crop could support higher export prices and prioritize reefer capacity from late 2025 through **Q1–Q2 2026**.([agriculture.ec.europa.eu](https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4d22fa65-7541-400d-aa70-291225922139_en?filename=summary-fv-mo-pip-fruit-2025-5-12_en.pdf&prefLang=it&utm_source=openai)) - **Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries):** peak French and nearby EU production runs **late spring to early autumn (Q2–Q3)**, with export flows to Northern Europe and the UK particularly intense in **May–August**. This is when **reefer container and cool‑chain truck capacity** are most constrained, especially around holiday weeks. - **Logistics timing considerations 2026:** - For **Q2 2026**, perishable shippers from France (berries, early‑season apples) will compete for reefer slots just as ocean rates are forecast to be easing; the main risk is **capacity pinch at specific ports** rather than broad rate spikes. - **Q3 2026** (late summer) typically sees both **peak reefer demand** and early build‑up for back‑to‑school/holiday retail imports into Europe, which may create localized space pressure and modest rate firmness on some trades. **2026 disruptions & timing signals specific to France** - **Port strikes and labour actions:** - **31 March 2026 – Marseille‑Fos:** CGT‑led same‑day strike call relating to Kem One at Fos‑sur‑Mer, with warnings of stoppages at Marseille‑Fos, France’s largest cargo gateway. Shippers were advised to reroute time‑critical cargo via northern ports or air freight.([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-03-31/fr/kem-one-dispute-sparks-strike-warning-at-port-of-marseille-fos-on-31-march/?utm_source=openai)) - **5–6 May 2026 – Le Havre, Fos, Lavera, Marseille:** strike action impacting **pilotage, towage and mooring** services; 24‑hour strike at Le Havre and a 24‑hour towage strike at Fos/Lavera/Marseille. These actions can slow vessel movements and cause short‑term congestion/berth delays.([gac.com](https://www.gac.com/hot-port-news/strikes-affecting-pilotage-towage-and-mooring?utm_source=openai)) - Wider commentary on the Kem One dispute emphasises that **sectoral industrial conflicts can spill over into broader dockworker actions**, making French ports structurally exposed to short‑notice disruptions in 2026.([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-03-31/fr/kem-one-dispute-sparks-strike-warning-at-port-of-marseille-fos-on-31-march/?utm_source=openai)) - **Impacts on freight timing Q1–Q3 2026:** - **Q1 2026:** rate firmness related to GRIs and pre‑Lunar New Year demand, but no systemic French port congestion yet; good time for contracting and forward bookings for Q2–Q3 perishables.([trasportoeuropa.it](https://www.trasportoeuropa.it/english/sea/container-freight-rates-rise-sharply-at-the-start-of-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - **Late Q1 / early Q2 (March–May 2026):** - Actual strikes at Marseille‑Fos in late March and at Le Havre + Marseille/Fos/Lavera in early May introduce **short‑term schedule unreliability** and the risk of rollover or port omission. - Time‑sensitive agri‑food exports/imports during these windows are most at risk and may need **re‑routing via other North Range ports or modal switch to air/road.**([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-03-31/fr/kem-one-dispute-sparks-strike-warning-at-port-of-marseille-fos-on-31-march/?utm_source=openai)) - **Q2–Q3 2026:** as peak fruit/veg seasons ramp up, the combination of **higher reefer demand** and potential episodic strikes means that **early week sailings and multi‑gateway strategies** will be important for French exporters. **Key tactical takeaways for 2026 Q1–Q3** - **Contracts vs spot:** 2026 long‑term contracts on Europe trades are generally being signed at or below current spot, particularly into the Med. Shippers with **volume and flexibility** should lock a core share of volume under contracts for Q2–Q3, retaining some spot exposure to benefit from potential rate easing.([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)) - **Port & mode diversification for France:** - Maintain **redundant routings**: Le Havre plus at least one alternate EU port (Rotterdam, Antwerp, Dunkirk) for critical flows; Marseille‑Fos plus a northern option for Med‑focused networks. - For high‑value/perishable exports (berries, chilled dairy, premium wines in summer), pre‑secure **airfreight capacity** at CDG and secondary hubs for the most time‑critical SKUs during known high‑risk windows (strike dates, peak harvest weeks). - **Scheduling:** - Avoid scheduling key departures immediately before/after **known strike windows** in French ports where possible. - During **Q2–Q3 2026 perishables peaks**, prioritize sailings with historically better schedule reliability and ports with fewer labour‑dispute events. ([trasportoeuropa.it](https://www.trasportoeuropa.it/english/sea/container-freight-rates-rise-sharply-at-the-start-of-2026/?utm_source=openai)) Sources: • 2026 Ocean Freight Outlook: Softer Rates Ahead, but Volatility Isn’t Going Anywhere | S&P Global 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 • Drewry Forecasts Stable Global Container Freight Rates for Q1 2026 - Ports Directory https://ports.marinelink.com/ports/port/egegik/news/drewry-forecasts-stable-global-container-freight-rates-for-q1-2026?utm_source=openai • CONTAINERS QUARTERLY: Asia-Europe enters 2026 with seasonal firmness, structural uncertainty | S&P Global 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 • Kem One Dispute Sparks Strike Warning at Port of Marseille-Fos on 31 March https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-03-31/fr/kem-one-dispute-sparks-strike-warning-at-port-of-marseille-fos-on-31-march/?utm_source=openai • Strikes affecting pilotage, towage and mooring | GAC https://www.gac.com/hot-port-news/strikes-affecting-pilotage-towage-and-mooring?utm_source=openai