Pakistan traffic:
Due to the geopolitical instability in Pakistan impacting on shipping line operations, shipping lines are introducing an Emergency Operation Surcharge (EOS).
The surcharge will apply to all Australian imports and exports, as outlined below.
Effective Date will be from 1st June 2025 (based on vessel ETD) and until further notice, Yang Ming Line will introduce the surcharge at USD 600.00 per 20ft or 40ft container.
Maersk Line has joined its peers in implementing ’emergency operational surcharges’ on cargo in and out of Pakistan that has been disrupted due to the recent trade cut-off with India.
The Danish carrier will begin charging USD 500 per 20ft or 40ft container for exports from Pakistan to major western markets and USD 300 per 20ft or 40ft container on the inbound leg into Pakistan.
The Maersk surcharge was implemented from 21st May 2025.
North European Port Congestion:
Port congestion at major northern European container terminals like Antwerp, Rotterdam and Hamburg is expected to continue into July.
Factors such as recent strikes, low Rhine River water levels, and terminal yard overcrowding are causing vessel delays of several days to up to two weeks.
Carriers are responding with rerouting, congestion surcharges, and limits on empty container returns.
Implementation of Peak Season Surcharge:
CMA-CGM Line have announced a peak season surcharge of USD 300.00 per container (20ft or 40ft) will be implemented from 15th June 2025 on all their services (both direct and transhipment) from all North European ports to Australia and New Zealand.
It is expected that their joint service partner, MSC Lines, will also introduce the surcharge but as yet no official notification has been issued by MSC Lines.