A.P. Moller–Maersk (Maersk) has announced the expiry of the Heavy Load Surcharge (HWS) on all 20‑foot dry (ALL_20_DRY) and 40NOR containers moving from Far East Asia to West Coast South America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Effective from 15 January 2026 until further notice, the removal of the HWS applies to cargo from a broad group of origins in Far East Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.
The destinations covered span major West Coast South American, Central American and Caribbean markets, such as Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela, among others.
The surcharge had been levied on heavier-loaded containers to account for the additional costs associated with handling and stowage when Verified Gross Mass (VGM) thresholds were exceeded.
READ: Hapag-Lloyd advances green fleet with eight methanol ships
Under the updated structure, Maersk will no longer apply HWS on the specified trade lane, though ocean transport remains subject to other applicable charges, including local and contingency surcharges.
Maersk confirmed the change applies across its ocean products, including contractual bookings, spot rates and digital offerings such as Maersk Go.
The carrier also noted that the adjustment does not affect any tariffs filed under local regulatory requirements, and for trades governed by the U.S. Shipping Act or China Maritime Regulations, any variation from published tariffs must be documented in filed service contracts to be binding.
For more information:
A.P. Moller-Maersk – https://www.maersk.com/
