Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced an update to its Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS), citing ongoing disruption in the global fuel market linked to recent developments in the Middle East. The carrier notes that the situation has led to a sharp increase in marine fuel prices and disrupted the normal distribution of bunker supply, reducing availability at key sourcing locations and increasing operating costs across the network.
The revised surcharge applies to cargo moving between Northern Europe, Scanbaltic, the West Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red Sea and East Africa, covering both directions of trade. The updated EFS will be effective from April 16, 2026 to April 30, 2026 based on bill of lading date. From the Red Sea, rates are set at USD 135 per TEU for dry cargo and USD 205 for reefer cargo to Northern Europe, and USD 200 (dry) and USD 300 (reefer) to Scanbaltic.
From East Africa, the surcharge to Northern Europe is USD 255 (dry) and USD 385 (reefer), rising to USD 320 (dry) and USD 480 (reefer) for Scanbaltic destinations. In the opposite direction, similar adjustments apply for shipments from Northern Europe to the Red Sea and East Africa, and from Scanbaltic to the Red Sea and East Africa. The update reflects MSC's response to continued volatility in fuel markets, as carriers adjust surcharges to manage rising bunker costs and operational challenges.
Key Takeaways:
1. MSC has revised its EFS due to fuel market disruption tied to the Middle East situation.
2. The new rates are effective April 16-30, 2026 based on bill of lading date.
3. It covers Northern Europe, Scanbaltic, West Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red Sea and East Africa lanes.
4. Red Sea-to-Northern Europe rates are set at USD 135/TEU dry and USD 205/TEU reefer.
5. The move reflects a wider trend of carriers adjusting surcharges to absorb rising bunker costs.
