Update: 09.02.2026
Operations across ports in the Western Mediterranean have faced ongoing disruption following several days of severe weather.
After closures impacting key ports in the region, work resumed in Algeciras and Valencia in Spain, and Casablanca and Tanger Med in Morocco.
While activity has resumed, congestion remains a significant issue.
Maersk reports that high truck volumes and flooded roadways are hindering access to port facilities. Strong winds are also limiting crane performance, with vessels only able to continue work when conditions allow.
Several vessels continue to navigate unsettled conditions in the Bay of Biscay. A short improvement is anticipated, yet forecasts indicate that another phase of severe weather is likely to begin around 11 February.
The Iberian Peninsula has experienced strain this week as Storm Leonardo brought intense rainfall, resulting in further flood warnings. Another storm, Marta, moved across the region over the weekend.
Evacuation efforts have also intensified in Morocco, where more than 143,000 people in the flood‑prone northwestern plains have been moved as heavy rain, swollen rivers and releases from full dams increase the risk of inundation.
For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.
Original article: 04.02.2026
Authorities in Spain and Portugal implemented extensive safety measures on Wednesday as Storm Leo moved across the Iberian Peninsula.
The preparations followed the impact of Storm Kristin one week earlier, which had already strained regional infrastructure and emergency capacity.
Spain’s meteorological agency forecast that parts of the southern Sierra Grazalema could receive rainfall equal to an entire year’s average during the course of the storm.
Officials warned that the risk of flooding had intensified because the ground was still heavily saturated by the recent storm and by significant rainfall recorded last month.
Portugal also raised its emergency level. The national Civil Protection Service elevated its readiness to the highest tier, noting what its commander described as a “very complex” meteorological situation.
Impact on maritime transport
Maritime activity was directly affected.
An update from Maersk noted that the weather in the region has "deteriorated beyond initial expectations." As a result, terminals are expected to close for longer than anticipated.
The carrier added that "vessels will be leaving their berths for safety at the latest tonight, 3 February." Vessel delays are, therefore, expected in the next few days.
Reports mentioned that the ports of Gibraltar, Valencia and Algeciras suspended operations due to severe wind and rain affecting southern Spain, with improvements expected by Friday, 6 February.
Transport disruptions extended inland as well.
In Portugal, vessels were skipping scheduled port calls, and rail services were interrupted.
For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.
