MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced revised Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) across multiple trade routes, citing ongoing disruption in global fuel markets driven by recent developments in the Middle East.
The company said rising marine fuel prices and reduced bunker availability at key sourcing locations have increased operational costs across its network, prompting the surcharge adjustments.
The updated EFS will apply from May 1 to May 15, 2026, based on the bill of lading date, covering both export and import trades between Northern Europe, the Red Sea and East Africa.
For cargo moving from Northern Europe, including the UK and Scanbaltic region, to the Red Sea, the surcharge will be set at USD 120 per TEU for dry containers and USD 180 per TEU for reefer units. Shipments from the same region to East Africa will be charged USD 225 per TEU for dry cargo and USD 340 per TEU for reefers.
From the Scanbaltic region specifically, rates to the Red Sea will reach USD 175 per TEU for dry containers and USD 265 per TEU for reefers, while shipments to East Africa will be charged USD 280 and USD 420 per TEU respectively.
On the return leg, cargo moving from the Red Sea to Northern Europe, including the UK, will be subject to surcharges of USD 120 per TEU for dry containers and USD 180 for reefers. Rates from the Red Sea to Scanbaltic will be set at USD 175 and USD 265 per TEU, while shipments to the West Mediterranean and Adriatic will be charged USD 90 and USD 135 per TEU respectively.
Additional charges will apply for regional trades, including USD 125 per TEU for both dry and reefer cargo moving between the Red Sea and East Africa.
From East Africa, surcharges to Northern Europe, including the UK, will stand at USD 225 per TEU for dry containers and USD 340 for reefers. Rates to Scanbaltic will be set at USD 280 and USD 420 per TEU, while shipments to the West Mediterranean and Adriatic will be charged USD 205 and USD 310 per TEU respectively.
Cargo moving from East Africa to the Red Sea will incur surcharges of USD 125 per TEU for dry units and USD 185 for reefers.
The company said the revised surcharges are necessary to address ongoing fuel procurement challenges and ensure continuity of service across affected trade lanes during a period of heightened market volatility.
