Maersk Line has announced the imposition of peak season surcharges (PSS) on various routes. For shipments from the East Coast of South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, to ports in the Mediterranean, North Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, and the Black Sea, a surcharge of $500 per container, whether refrigerated or dry, will be applied.
Additionally, Maersk has decided to implement peak season surcharges for the geographic area encompassing China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Brunei, Hong Kong (China), Taiwan (China), and East Timor. For shipments destined for Indian ports such as Tuticorin, Kolkata, Haldia, Cochin, and Mangalore, the surcharges will be $1,000 for a 20-foot container and $1,600 for a 40-foot container.
Maersk has also announced that it will apply peak season surcharges on the shipping route from Europe and the Mediterranean to South Africa. These additional charges will take effect on October 15, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice. The surcharges for this route will be $225 for a 20-foot container, and $300 for 40-foot and 45-foot containers.
The peak season surcharges for shipments from North Europe will apply to countries such as Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.
For shipments from the Mediterranean, the surcharges will apply to countries including Andorra, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Algeria, Egypt, Spain, France, Georgia, Gibraltar, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Monaco, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, San Marino, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Maersk' decision to implement peak season surcharges appears to be a strategic move to adjust to changing market conditions and demands. The company's aim is to ensure efficient and reliable services during peak periods. Further details on the surcharges and their potential impact on the shipping industry are yet to be disclosed.
The surcharges imposed by Maersk will likely affect various stakeholders, including exporters, importers, and logistics providers. As the shipping industry continues to evolve, market players will be closely monitoring the impact of these surcharges on trade flows and costs.
Key points
- Maersk imposes peak season surcharges on routes from South America, Asia to Europe and Africa
- Surcharges range from $225 to $1,600 per container, depending on the route and container size
- The surcharges will take effect on October 15, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice
