MSC introduces war-risk surcharge on Africa trade

The new charges apply to cargo moving from both the Indian subcontinent and the Gulf region, according to MSC customer advisories.

The measure comes as shipping activity across key Middle Eastern maritime corridors faces disruption and heightened security concerns.

Under the updated surcharge structure, shipments originating in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and destined for East Africa, Somalia, Mozambique and Indian Ocean island ports will incur additional fees.

Cargo transported from Gulf countries to destinations in West, East and Southern Africa, as well as Mozambique and Indian Ocean island markets, is also subject to the surcharge.      The cost increase varies depending on the origin of the shipment and container type.     For cargo departing from the Indian subcontinent, MSC has set the surcharge at $500 per 20-foot dry container and $1,000 for refrigerated units.

Shipments originating in the Gulf face higher charges. According to the carrier, the surcharge amounts to $2,000 for 20-foot containers, $3,000 for 40-foot containers, and $4,000 for refrigerated containers travelling to the affected regions.     The surcharges took effect on 5 March 2026 and apply to cargo moving along the affected trade routes until further notice.

Shipping companies have increasingly adopted such measures as security risks and operational disruptions affect traffic through critical maritime chokepoints, including routes linking the Middle East with Africa and the Indian Ocean.      Additional surcharges are typically introduced to offset higher operational costs associated with navigating areas exposed to geopolitical tensions or maritime security threats.