MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced updates to its emergency fuel surcharge (EFS) on cargo moving between Northern Europe, the Red Sea and East Africa, effective June 1, 2026, through June 15, 2026, based on bill of lading date. The revision covers traffic in both directions and is driven by ongoing disruption to global marine fuel markets linked to recent events in the Middle East.
MSC cites a rapid increase in marine fuel prices globally, alongside a shift in the geographic distribution of fuel supply that has reduced bunker availability at many traditional sourcing locations, adding procurement challenges and operating costs across its network.
Southbound surcharges — from Northern Europe to Red Sea and East Africa
For cargo moving from Scanbaltic to the Red Sea, the EFS will be set at USD 200 per TEU for dry cargo and USD 305 per TEU for reefer. Shipments from Scanbaltic to East Africa will attract USD 325 per TEU for dry and USD 485 per TEU for reefer.
From Northern Europe, including the UK, to the Red Sea, the charge will be USD 140 per TEU for dry cargo and USD 210 per TEU for reefer, while cargo bound for East Africa will be subject to USD 260 per TEU for dry and USD 390 per TEU for reefer.
Northbound and intra-regional surcharges — from Red Sea and East Africa
On the return leg, cargo moving from the Red Sea to Northern Europe, including the UK, will carry an EFS of USD 140 per TEU for dry and USD 210 for reefer, while shipments to Scanbaltic will be charged at USD 200 and USD 305 per TEU respectively. Red Sea to West Mediterranean and Adriatic will be set at USD 100 for dry and USD 145 for reefer, while the Red Sea to East Africa route will be charged at USD 130 and USD 195 per TEU.
For cargo originating in East Africa, the surcharge to Northern Europe, including the UK, is set at USD 260 per TEU for dry and USD 390 for reefer, and to Scanbaltic at USD 325 and USD 485 per TEU respectively. Shipments from East Africa to the West Mediterranean and Adriatic will attract USD 220 for dry and USD 335 for reefer, while the East Africa to Red Sea route will carry charges of USD 130 and USD 195 per TEU.
The surcharges apply to all cargo types and will remain in effect until June 15, 2026, unless revised further by the carrier.
