Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced a new series of rate increases and surcharges affecting multiple global trade routes.
Effective March 16, 2026, MSC is implementing new freight rates for cargo moving from the Indian Subcontinent to European destinations. These rates are currently scheduled to apply through March 31, 2026.
Key adjustments include:
- Nhava Sheva to Antwerp: $2,150 per 20-foot and 40-foot container
- Nhava Sheva to Valencia: $2,250 per container
- Note: Rates originating from Ennore and Kolkata to European destinations will be priced higher.
Also beginning March 16, 2026, MSC will apply an Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) on cargo moving from Northern Europe to the Indian Subcontinent.
- Dry Units: $100 per TEU
- Reefer Units: $150 per TEU
Additional Emergency Fuel Surcharges will also be rolled out on routes connecting Northern Europe to Italy, the Red Sea, East Africa, the West Mediterranean, the Adriatic, Australia, and New Zealand. Specific rates for these lanes will vary by route and container type.
Driven by strong market demand, MSC is imposing a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on cargo moving from Europe to Southern Africa to maintain required service levels. Effective April 2, 2026, shippers will face the following fees:
- South Africa: $125 per TEU
- Namibia: $150 per TEU (higher charges apply for reefers)
- Mozambique: $250 per TEU (higher charges apply for reefers)
All newly announced rates and surcharges apply to Freight-All-Kinds (FAK) cargo, explicitly excluding IMO category commodities and high-value shipments. These updates are in addition to all existing baseline charges, including bunker recovery fees, emissions trading system (ETS) fees, and standard terminal handling charges (THC).