# Hapag-Lloyd Continues AL4 Service via Alternative Ports

**Category:** Port Alert  |  **Source:** Hapag-Lloyd  |  **Published:** 2026-10-21  |  **Updated:** 2026-10-28

**Tags:** Logistik News, Transport News, Fracht News, Speditions News, Supply Chain News, Zoll News, Frachtportal News, Seefracht, LKW Transport, Schienentransport, Digitalisierung, Zoll

> Hapag-Lloyd continues to name alternatives to Hamburg CTA for AL4. Those organizing land transport themselves must clarify access to the correct port.

---

In the Europe Update of October 16, Hapag-Lloyd maintains its notices regarding the omission of Hamburg CTA in the AL4 service. CTA stands for Container Terminal Altenwerder. The shipping line cites modernization work and associated operational difficulties as the reason.

Wilhelmshaven and Bremerhaven are mentioned as alternatives. The notice affects the AL4 liner service. ECX and AL1 are not affected by this change according to the announcement. A general closure of the Port of Hamburg cannot be inferred from this. ([Source: Hapag-Lloyd](https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/services-information/operational-updates/updates/2026/10/ops-updates-north-europe-week42.html))

In practice, it is particularly important to know who organizes the pre- or oncarriage. In the case of inland transport organized by the shipping line, Hapag-Lloyd assumes the rerouting according to the notice. If the customer organizes the inland transport themselves, they must adjust their transport planning accordingly. This is often referred to as Carrier Haulage or Merchant Haulage in the quotations.

Freight forwarders should therefore check the port for each individual booking before ordering a truck or rail slot. A port change can result in longer routes, different pickup windows, and additional coordination with customs. The return of the empty container should also be clarified. For the customer, what counts is the confirmed execution of their shipment, not solely the original schedule in the quotation.

---

Verify booking confirmation, port of arrival, and terminal before each shipment. Inform shippers of any changes to delivery dates. Review customs documentation and empty container returns before additional costs arise. Coordination with the land carrier should be included early on. In short: plan AL4 shipments based on the current individual booking.

---

Europe Update last modified on October 16, 2026.
AL4 excludes Hamburg CTA according to notice.
Wilhelmshaven is mentioned as an alternative.
Bremerhaven is mentioned as a further alternative.
ECX is not affected by this change.
AL1 is not affected by this change.
Self-organized land transport must be adjusted.

## Related Entities

### Countries

- [Germany](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/de)

### Seaports

- [Hamburg (DE HAM)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/hamburg-port-de-ham)
- [Wilhelmshaven (DE WVN)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/wilhelmshaven-port-de-wvn)
- [Bremerhaven (DE BRV)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/bremerhaven-port-de-brv)

### Glossary

- [Booking](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/booking)
- [Freight forwarder](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/freight-forwarder)
- [Advisory](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/advisory)
- [Diversion](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/diversion)
- [On-carriage](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/on-carriage)
- [Carrier haulage](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/carrier-haulage)
- [Merchant haulage](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/merchant-haulage)

---

*Canonical URL: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/news/hapag-lloyd-fuehrt-al4-weiter-ueber-alternative-haefen-20261019054404](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/news/hapag-lloyd-fuehrt-al4-weiter-ueber-alternative-haefen-20261019054404)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/news/en/hapag-lloyd-fuehrt-al4-weiter-ueber-alternative-haefen-20261019054404](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/news/en/hapag-lloyd-fuehrt-al4-weiter-ueber-alternative-haefen-20261019054404)*