MSC - emergency fuel surcharge on trades from/to South Africa, Namibia from/to Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya (both ways)

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced emergency fuel surcharges on trade routes connecting Europe with Southern Africa and East Africa, effective March 16 and March 30, 2026. The surcharges apply to services between Europe and South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, as well as Tanzania and Kenya, reflecting heightened fuel costs and regional operational challenges. For the Europe-to-Southern Africa route, standard containers will incur a $60 per TEU surcharge, while reefer containers will be charged $90 per TEU. On the North West Continent/Canary Islands route, the surcharge is 25 euros per TEU for standard containers and 35 euros per TEU for reefer units.

An updated Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) for Europe-East Africa trade, effective March 30, includes USD 150 per TEU for standard containers and USD 230 per TEU for reefer containers, with additional variations in euros and British pounds. These adjustments follow rising bunker fuel prices and increased security and insurance costs in the Red Sea corridor, which has disrupted maritime logistics.

MSC cited the need to stabilize services amid volatile energy markets and strong demand on key trade lanes. The surcharges are in addition to existing fees, including bunker recovery charges and terminal handling costs. Analysts note that such measures are common in global shipping to mitigate fuel price fluctuations, though they may temporarily elevate freight costs for exporters and importers in East Africa. Regional port authorities, including those in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam, continue to prioritize infrastructure upgrades to offset logistical pressures.

The surcharges underscore the sector's sensitivity to geopolitical and energy market dynamics, with ongoing adjustments expected as conditions evolve.