Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has introduced new war-risk surcharges on cargo shipments to Africa and Indian Ocean island destinations amid increased security risks affecting key maritime routes.
The surcharges apply to cargo moving from the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East to several markets across Africa and nearby island regions.
In its advisory covering trade from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, MSC announced an Emergency War Risk Surcharge on cargo bound for East Africa, Somalia, Mozambique and Indian Ocean island destinations.
A second advisory introduced a war-risk surcharge on shipments moving from Middle Eastern origins to Sub-Saharan Africa and Indian Ocean island markets. The measure covers cargo destined for West, East and Southern Africa as well as Mozambique and island states in the Indian Ocean.
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The surcharges vary depending on origin and equipment type.
For cargo shipped from the Indian subcontinent, MSC is applying a surcharge of $500 per 20-foot dry container and $1,000 per refrigerated container.
Shipments departing from Middle Eastern ports face higher charges. The surcharge is set at $2,000 per 20-foot container, $3,000 per 40-foot container and $4,000 for refrigerated containers.
The carrier has not indicated how long the surcharges will remain in place, stating only that the measures apply until further notice while the situation in the region continues to evolve.
The latest measure reflects broader pressure on global shipping operations as geopolitical tensions and security concerns affect key maritime corridors.
For more information:
MSC – https://www.msc.com/
