Shippingtelegraph: Maersk adds $1,000 fee per container for Hormuz transits

Published by shippingtelegraph

Maersk has introduced an additional fee of US$1,000 per container for cargo on any vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The fee was announced in the company’s Middle East Operational Update 40 dated July 22 and applies to existing ocean bookings and cargo in transit. 

The charge is additional to the emergency freight rate implemented by Maersk on cargo loading from or destined to ports in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Damman & Jubail), Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman (except Salalah).

The carrier stated it is adding an emergency freight rate, based on the container category, and subject to required regulatory approvals.

The fee is set at US$1,800 per container for 20’ dry container, US$3,000 per container for 40’ dry container and US$3,800 per container for reefer, special and DG container.

Any vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz will incur an additional fee of US$1,000/container.

The carrier stated it is taking steps to protect cargo, maintain network stability and support customers through alternative transport solutions as the situation remains highly volatile.

The introduction of this fee comes amidst ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East, particularly due to the heightened security risks encountered when sailing through the Strait of Hormuz and the pressure on Red Sea shipping lanes from Houthi activities.

In its latest Middle East Operational Update 40, the carrier said it is implementing this emergency freight rate to arrange alternative routing to final destination, including finding potential storage solutions, additional charters and so forth. This fee includes transportation from temporary storage to final destination, when safe to complete the voyage. 

Due to the fluidity of this situation, the emergency freight rate may be adjusted, the company clarified.