Heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures are disrupting ports, inland transport and flights across Northern Europe, reports London's S&P Global.

Hundreds of flights in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany were cancelled as snow and high winds hit the region. Container terminal handling and road and rail networks were also affected.

Maersk said operations at key terminals in Rotterdam and Hamburg were disrupted. The carrier noted reduced productivity at depots, traffic congestion from icy roads and delays for trucks.

Rail services were hampered by frozen track switches, leading to cancellations and longer waiting times for import and export cargo. Yard congestion at hub ports increased as a result.

Terminal operator Eurogate reported snow, ice and strong winds disrupting its Hamburg facilities. Eurogate also said other German sites had not yet been affected but warned severe weather was forecast.

The Port of Hamburg said heavy snowfall restricted rail traffic last weekend. While services were gradually returning to normal, backlogs remained. Container terminals continued operating but delays were reported across all modes.

Maersk also highlighted inland challenges, citing slower truck processing at Antwerp and Rotterdam, disrupted rail services between Rotterdam and Venlo, and delays on the Rotterdam-Duisburg corridor.