Maersk Implements New Heavy Load Surcharge for Far East to Middle East Shipments

What Happened?

Maersk is introducing a Heavy Load Surcharge (HWS) for contract bookings on shipments from Far East Asia to select Middle Eastern markets, effective October 5, 2026. This new fee will apply to 40-foot containers with a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) exceeding 20 metric tonnes. The measure will directly increase shipping costs for customers transporting heavy cargo on this specific trade lane.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Published date
September 25, 2026
Effective from
October 5, 2026
Carrier
MAEU
Advisory category
surcharge
Affected Trade lanes
Far East Asia -> Middle East
Who is Affected?
Shippers, freight forwarders, and BCOs managing 40-foot container shipments exceeding 20 metric tonnes on the Far East Asia to Middle East trade lane.
Source:
Maersk
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