MSC introduces low water surcharge for Montreal shipments
What Happened?
MSC is introducing a Saint-Laurent Low Water (SLW) surcharge for cargo moving to or via Montreal, Canada, due to reduced water levels on the St. Lawrence River impacting vessel capacity. Effective July 21, 2026, the surcharge will apply to shipments originating from the West Mediterranean, Adriatic, Israel, and Northern Europe. This measure directly increases shipping costs for cargo owners on these trade lanes.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Published date
July 14, 2026
Effective from
July 21, 2026
Carrier
MSCU
Advisory category
surcharge
Affected Trade lanes
West Mediterranean -> Montreal, Adriatic -> Montreal, Israel -> Montreal, Northern Europe -> Montreal
Affected Ports
Montreal
Who is Affected?
Shippers, freight forwarders, and BCOs with cargo moving to or via Montreal, Canada, from the West Mediterranean, Adriatic, Israel, and Northern Europe will be directly impacted by increased shipping costs.
Source:
MSCSet surcharge alert
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