MSC and Maersk have implemented emergency bunker surcharges (EBS) this week, and other ocean carriers are expected to follow. The EBS comes as a result of 2018 bunker costs exceeding prices from the start of the year by 20 percent. The standard bunker adjustment factors do not cover such an increase of this size, making the EBS a necessary action.
The global EBS begins June 1, 2018, for non-FMC lanes and July 1st for FMC lanes—with the exception of any Chinese imports/exports which tentatively have a June 1st effective date. FMC lanes include shipments to/from US, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Colombia, and Taiwan. The surcharge tariffs will be as follows:
- 20’: USD $60
- 40’: USD $120
- 45’: USD $120
- 20’ Reefer: USD $90
- 40’ Reefer: USD $180
- 45’ Reefer: USD $180
If bunker prices decrease enough, the EBS will be withdrawn. Deringer will try to mitigate the rate increases. If you have questions regarding a specific shipment, please contact one of our service centers.