Maersk revises peak season and emergency surcharges on key trade lanes

Maersk has announced new peak season surcharges for shipments moving from Far East Asia to Saudi Arabia, North Europe and the Mediterranean, alongside revised emergency contingency surcharges covering exports from Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The new charges take effect at different dates between the start and middle of August, depending on the specific trade lane involved, and apply across container types including dry, reefer, tank and flat-rack equipment.

For cargo moving from Far East Asia to Saudi Arabia, the carrier will apply a new peak season surcharge from early August, covering shipments originating in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and other Far East Asian countries. A separately revised surcharge will also apply to shipments from Far East Asia to North Europe and the Mediterranean, with the new rate taking effect slightly earlier for most origins and a little later for cargo originating in South Korea. A distinct, lower surcharge applies to cargo destined for Syria under the same revision.

Alongside the peak season charges, Maersk has revised its emergency contingency surcharge for exports moving from Salalah and Sohar in Oman, and from Fujairah and Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates. The new emergency charges take effect from the start of August for non-conference trades and apply to shipments bound for North Europe, the Mediterranean, South Africa, the west coast of South America, the Caribbean, Central America and the east coast of South America, with the exact charge varying by origin, destination and equipment type.

The revisions reflect the continued pressure on carriers operating through Gulf-adjacent export hubs, where disruption linked to regional tensions has pushed operating costs higher and prompted several lines to adjust surcharge structures on short notice. Emergency contingency surcharges in particular are typically used by carriers to offset additional costs and risks associated with operating in or near conflict-affected regions, rather than reflecting routine seasonal demand.

With the new and revised charges due to take effect in stages through early to mid-August, shippers moving cargo on the affected routes will need to account for the additional costs when planning shipments in the coming weeks, as carriers continue to adjust their surcharge structures in response to evolving conditions across Gulf and Mediterranean trade lanes.