by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

Germany's northern rail network has recently been disrupted by incidents affecting rail and train services.

Local operators announced that the Deutsche Bahn (DB) InfraGo infrastructure was experiencing technical problems, resulting in extensive delays.

Interfaces to port systems in Hamburg and Bremerhaven have been affected, resulting in errors and difficulties in transferring shipment data.

Some trains reported delays of several hours, ranging from four to five hours. Other services were unable to follow scheduled routes.

The incidents prompted diversions of up to 300 additional kilometres, and the network is considering alternatives to mitigate the impact on supply chains.

In addition, a system disruption has also occurred within DB Cargo’s rail system due to a derailment in Maschen.

The derailment involved a construction vehicle in the Maschen South/North exit group, halting all departures to the seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven.

Damage has been reported to at least one overhead line mast and the catenary support structure.

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