World · Malaysia Bureau
Maersk hikes emergency fuel surcharge to 20% amid Middle East tensions
A.P. Moller-Maersk has increased its emergency fuel surcharge to 20% effective October 12 in response to disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. The shipping giant said it would continue monitoring the situation and adjusting the levy accordingly.
LSN Malaysia ·
Copenhagen-headquartered Maersk announced the fuel surcharge increase as shipping routes through the Middle East face heightened risks, forcing carriers to reroute vessels and incur additional operational costs.
The 20% emergency fuel surcharge takes effect from October 12 and applies across the company's services. Maersk stated that the surcharge level would be subject to regular review as the situation develops.
The move reflects broader cost pressures facing the shipping industry as geopolitical tensions in the region have disrupted traditional maritime trade routes. Carriers have increasingly been forced to take longer, costlier passages around Africa rather than transiting through the Suez Canal and Red Sea.
Malaysian importers and exporters reliant on Maersk services are likely to see increased freight costs reflected in shipping invoices. The company joins other major carriers in implementing emergency surcharges to offset the higher fuel consumption and extended voyage times resulting from regional instability.