Maersk has announced adjustments to its Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) for cargo moving from multiple global origins to key ports in the Middle East as operational disruptions continue amid the deteriorating security situation in the region.
The company said the escalation of military conflict in the Middle East has significantly affected shipping operations, forcing carriers to operate under multiple constraints and contingency measures across their networks.
In response to the increased operational costs and disruptions, Maersk will introduce updated ECS levels for cargo destined for Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates and Sohar in Oman. The surcharge will take effect from the Price Calculation Date (PCD) of 17 March 2026 for non-FMC regulated trades.
For FMC-regulated countries, including the United States, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Taiwan and Colombia, the surcharge will be implemented after a 30-day notice period, with an effective date of 17 April 2026. For Vietnam, a 15-day notice period will apply, with implementation scheduled for 2 April 2026.
The revised ECS will apply to shipments originating from South Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Oceania, the West Coast of South America, the Caribbean, Central America, the East Coast of South America, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and North America.
Under the updated structure, the surcharge will be set at USD 1,800 per 20-foot dry container and USD 3,000 for 40-foot dry and high-cube containers. For refrigerated cargo, the ECS will be USD 1,900 per 20-foot reefer container and USD 3,800 for 40-foot high-cube reefer units. The surcharge for 45-foot high-cube containers will be USD 3,000.
Maersk confirmed that the same surcharge levels will also apply to special equipment, including out-of-gauge, shipper-owned and non-operating reefer containers.
In a related update, the company also announced revised ECS levels for refrigerated cargo and special equipment shipments moving to Oman (excluding Sohar) and to Red Sea ports in the Middle East, including Aqaba in Jordan and the Saudi Arabian ports of Jeddah and King Abdullah.
The surcharge will apply to cargo originating from Oceania, the East Coast of South America, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, East Africa, South Africa, North America, the West Coast of South America, the Caribbean, Central America and West Africa.
The revised ECS levels for these trades will mirror the same pricing structure, with USD 1,800 per 20-foot dry container, USD 3,000 per 40-foot dry container, USD 1,900 per 20-foot reefer container and USD 3,800 per 40-foot high-cube reefer unit.
Maersk noted that cargo already in transit will not be affected by the surcharge implementation.
The company added that all surcharge adjustments remain subject to regulatory approvals and applicable notice periods. The charges will be reflected in customer invoices once they become effective.
Maersk said the ECS will be reviewed regularly as the situation evolves, noting that the surcharge could be withdrawn once operational conditions stabilize, but may also be increased or extended to additional trade lanes depending on developments.
