MSC will introduce two new surcharges on shipments from Asia to selected destinations in the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea. According to a customer advisory issued by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) on September 3, a Piracy Risk Surcharge (PRS) and Suez Canal Surcharge (SCS) will apply to cargo shipped from Asia to the designated destinations from September 15, 2026. The two surcharges total USD 91 per TEU and will remain in effect until further notice. Shippers and freight forwarders arranging shipments on the affected routes will need to recalculate their shipping costs for cargo subject to the new charges.

Key Highlights 

• New surcharges: MSC is introducing two surcharges totaling USD 91 per TEU. 

• Surcharge amounts: The PRS is USD 55 per TEU, while the SCS is USD 36 per TEU. 

• Effective date and scope: The charges will take effect on September 15 and apply to shipments from Asia to selected destinations in the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea.

Why Is MSC Introducing the Two Surcharges?

According to MSC’s advisory, the new charges comprise a Piracy Risk Surcharge of USD 55 per TEU and a Suez Canal Surcharge of USD 36 per TEU. MSC said piracy risks around the Arabian Peninsula are affecting vessel operations and route planning, causing disruption across its shipping network.

The adjustment also reflects the continuing impact of security conditions in and around the Red Sea and Suez Canal on liner operating costs. Rather than adjusting base ocean freight rates, MSC is introducing separate surcharges to account for the associated security risks and route-related operating costs.

The combined charge of USD 91 per TEU does not apply uniformly to all exports from Asia. Its applicability must be confirmed based on the origin, destination, and scope specified in MSC’s advisory.

Which Destinations Are Covered and How Will the Charges Apply?

The new surcharges mainly apply to shipments from Asia to selected destinations in the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea. MSC’s listed destinations include Abu Qir, Alexandria, Aliaga, Antalya, Batumi, Burgas, Constanta, Evyap, Gebze, Gemlik, Giresun, Iskenderun, Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin, Odesa, Poti, Samsun, Tekirdag, Trabzon, and Varna.

Both surcharges will apply from the pro forma date of September 15, 2026. No specific end date has been announced, and the charges will remain in effect until further notice. As the surcharges are calculated per TEU, charges for different container sizes should be confirmed against MSC’s advisory and the rates shown in its booking system. The announcement should not be interpreted as a flat USD 91 increase for every container.

What Should Shippers Check When Reviewing Costs and Quotations?

For shipments from Asia to the listed destinations, quotations and cost calculations should be reviewed if the applicable pro forma date falls on or after September 15. For cargo that has already been quoted but has not yet shipped, the parties should confirm in advance who will bear the new surcharges. For shipments moving under long-term contracts or fixed ocean freight rates, shippers should also check whether the existing rates include these charges.

For cargo scheduled to move around the effective date, shippers and freight forwarders should not rely solely on the vessel’s actual sailing date. They should also confirm the applicable date specified in MSC’s advisory and check whether the route falls within its scope. This is particularly important for shipments to Türkiye and Black Sea destinations with schedules crossing September 15. Charges should be reconfirmed before booking and shipment to avoid discrepancies between quotations and final invoices.

The new charges currently apply only to selected destinations in the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea and do not indicate a general increase across all MSC services from Asia. Shippers and freight forwarders should continue to monitor any further changes to the surcharges or service arrangements if regional security conditions or Suez Canal operations change.

Sources and Disclaimer

Sources include MSC’s official advisory and other publicly available shipping industry information. This article is provided for informational purposes only for the international logistics and freight forwarding industry. The applicable charges and implementation details remain subject to the carrier’s latest notices and information issued by the relevant authorities.