Maersk adds emergency freight charges as Hormuz shipping risks rise

Dhaka: Maersk has introduced emergency freight charges for container shipments affected by disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, adding to costs for cargo moving through several Gulf markets.

Under the new rates, existing bookings and cargo in transit will incur charges of USD 1,800 for a 20-foot dry container and USD 3,000 for a 40-foot dry container. Reefer, special and dangerous-goods containers will face a USD 3,800 charge.

The rates apply to cargo bound for or departing from Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman excluding Salalah, and Saudi Arabia’s Dammam and Jubail.

Maersk will impose an additional USD 1,000 per container on vessels that transit the Strait of Hormuz. The company said the surcharge is intended to cover higher insurance premiums, crew risk compensation and other costs associated with operating in the area.

The emergency rates are also designed to cover alternative transportation arrangements, including rerouting, temporary storage and additional chartering where necessary.

The move comes as commercial shipping through Hormuz has fallen sharply amid escalating regional conflict. Reuters reported that only four vessels crossed the waterway on Tuesday, far below the 10-day average of 18.

Maersk said the charges could be revised as conditions change, reflecting the continuing uncertainty surrounding maritime operations in the Gulf.