MSC announces new freight rates from Far East to Europe

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced new freight rates applicable to cargo moving from all Far East ports to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

The revised rates will take effect from 15 January 2026 and will remain valid until further notice, but not beyond 31 January 2026.

The scope covers shipments originating from all Far East ports, including but not limited to Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia, with destinations in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean—including West Mediterranean, East Mediterranean, Adriatic and North Africa—as well as Black Sea ports.

Rate structure and inclusions

MSC confirmed that the rates apply on a base port to base port basis. Outports will be subject to the usual TAO/TAD charges.

All rates are quoted in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise specified, and are inclusive of the base ocean freight rate and the following surcharges:

• GFS (Global Fuel Surcharge): VATOS USD 70 per TEU, valid for January 2026

• ECA (Emission Control Area) surcharge:

  • VATOS USD 15 per TEU for Mediterranean and Northern Europe destinations, including Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and France

  • VATOS USD 52 per TEU for other Nordic and Baltic countries

Applicable additional surcharges

The rates are subject to the following surcharges:

• CLS (Carbon Limitation Surcharge): VATOS USD 20 per TEU

• CRS (Carbon Review Surcharge):

  • Northern Europe: VATOS USD 84 per TEU

  • Mediterranean: VATOS USD 125 per TEU

MSC noted that FAK rates exclude all IMO category commodities and high-value cargo.

In addition, Terminal Handling Charges (THC) and other applicable local charges may apply. Customers are advised to contact their local MSC agent for further details.

MSC agencies’ standard terms and conditions apply, including those governing the MSC Bill of Lading, unless otherwise specified.