MSC Extends Emergency Fuel Surcharge Amid Global Market Disruptions

MSC has officially announced the extension of its Emergency Fuel Surcharge until April 30, 2026. This decision is issued as the global fuel market continues to experience prolonged disruptions stemming from geopolitical risks in the Middle East.

Supply Shortages and Operational Cost Pressures

According to an advisory from MSC, current security risks have driven up global marine fuel prices while simultaneously altering the structural allocation of regular supply.

A direct consequence is the decline in fuel availability at traditional bunkering hubs. This bottleneck not only creates challenges in procurement but also inflates operational costs across the carrier's entire network.

EFS Tariff Structure

MSC confirmed that the EFS quantum will remain unchanged from the previous period. This surcharge applies to all shipments originating from the Mediterranean region (including the West Mediterranean, Adriatic Sea, East Mediterranean, Greece, and Turkey) as well as the Black Sea. Affected destinations include the Indian Subcontinent, the Red Sea, and East Africa.

The specific tariff is categorized by trade lane segment and container equipment type:

1. For cargo originating from the West Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea:

● To the Red Sea: $100/TEU for dry cargo and $150/TEU for reefer cargo.

● To East Africa: $230/TEU (dry cargo) and $350/TEU (reefer cargo).

● To the Indian Subcontinent: $150/TEU (dry cargo) and $220/TEU (reefer cargo).

2. For cargo originating from the East Mediterranean and Black Sea:

● To the Red Sea: $75/TEU for dry cargo and $115/TEU for reefer cargo.

● To East Africa: $175/TEU (dry cargo) and $260/TEU (reefer cargo).

● To the Indian Subcontinent: $110/TEU (dry cargo) and $170/TEU (reefer cargo).

This extension follows a surcharge adjustment notice issued on March 25, 2026. It serves as MSC's risk management and cost-recovery measure to navigate the ongoing volatility in marine fuel supply and pricing structures in the market.

See more:

• International Shipping and Logistics Market Update Week 15/2026 | Phaata
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• Panama Canal Dispute Escalates: Hutchison Officially Initiates Arbitration Against Maersk
• US Gulf to West Coast South America Trade: Maersk Officially Implements Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)
• Ocean Freight Market Stalls: Overcapacity Outweighs the 'Hormuz Shock'
• COSCO updates Vietnam-Intra Asia sailing schedules in Apr 2026
• COSCO schedules: Vietnam - North America in Apr 2026
• SITC updates Vietnam-Intra Asia sailing schedules in Apr 2026

Source: Phaata.com (According to Container News)

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