Following ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and shifting trade demand across global shipping lanes, Mediterranean Shipping Company has issued multiple surcharge notices affecting selected import and export trades to and from Southern Africa, including Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS), War Risk / Emergency War Surcharges (WRS/EWS), and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS). These adjustments are being introduced across various trade corridors and may impact freight costs depending on origin, destination, cargo type, and routing.
MSC Notices Received
1. Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) – Imports from India, Middle East, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Colombo
Applies additional fuel surcharge on imports into South Africa and selected regional destinations effective 11 March 2026 due to Middle East disruption.
2. Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) – Europe to South Africa (Including Namibia and Mozambique)
MSC introduces EFS on cargo from Europe, Greece, Türkiye, East Med and North Africa to Southern Africa effective 16 March 2026.
3. War Risk / Emergency War Surcharge (WRS / EWS) – Gulf and India Subcontinent Trades
War-related surcharges introduced for selected Middle East and India Subcontinent cargo due to Gulf security risks.
4. Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) – North and Central America Trade
Additional EFS applies on cargo moving between Southern Africa and North / Central America effective 01 April 2026.
5. Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) – Exports from Southern Africa to Europe, Asia and South America
EFS applied on exports from Southern Africa to Europe, Far East, Bangladesh, South America and Caribbean effective 11 March 2026.
6. Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) – Europe to Southern Africa
Peak season surcharge introduced due to strong demand on Europe-to-Southern Africa trade, effective 02 April 2026.