Maersk Implements Emergency LCL Surcharge for Gulf Shipments
What Happened?
Maersk has introduced an Emergency Operational Cost Recovery (OCR) surcharge for Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments destined for Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. This new charge applies to cargo from all origins except Far East Asia, increasing costs for shippers and forwarders on these trade lanes. The surcharge will take effect on September 17, 2026, for non-regulated countries and October 11, 2026, for regulated trades.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Published date
September 23, 2026
Effective from
September 17, 2026
Carrier
MAEU
Advisory category
surcharge
Affected Trade lanes
Global -> Middle East
Affected Ports
Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq
Who is Affected?
Shippers, freight forwarders, and BCOs utilizing Maersk's LCL services for shipments originating globally (excluding Far East Asia) and destined for Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, or Iraq.
Source:
MaerskSet surcharge alert
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