Maersk, the world’s largest Danish container shipping and integrated logistics company, has announced a price increase in freight‑related services.
The increase will see the introduction of emergency freight surcharges due to the Middle‑East crisis that has led to the disruption of services and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Due to the ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz, the Carrier hereby notifies that an increase in ocean freight rates will be applied under individual service contracts. This adjustment is made pursuant to Clause 20 of the Carrier’s Bill of Lading, which permits the modification or termination of the contract of carriage under specified circumstances,” the logistics company’s statement reads in part.
The increase will apply to shipments to and from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail), Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Oman (Sohar).
The surcharge is USD 1,800 per 20ʹ dry, USD 3,000 per 40ʹ/45ʹ dry, and USD 3,800 per reefer/special equipment, applying to bookings not yet shipped or still on the water, as a contingency to maintain cargo flow.
The revised ocean freight rates will apply to all shipments currently in the Carrier’s possession or control.