Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced a fresh round of freight rate increases and surcharges across several major trade routes, with changes set to take effect from mid-March and early April 2026.
The carrier said new freight rates will apply to shipments from India and Pakistan to Europe beginning March 16. Cargo moving from Nhava Sheva to Antwerp will attract a rate of $2,150 per 20-foot and 40-foot container, while shipments from the same port to Valencia will cost $2,250 per container. Higher rates will apply to cargo departing from Ennore and Kolkata to various European destinations. The revised pricing will remain in force until March 31, 2026.
From the same date, MSC will introduce an Emergency Fuel Surcharge on cargo moving from Northern Europe to the Indian Subcontinent. The surcharge will be set at $100 per twenty-foot equivalent unit for dry containers and $150 per unit for refrigerated containers.
The shipping line will also impose a Peak Season Surcharge on shipments from Europe to Southern Africa effective April 2. Under the new structure, cargo bound for South Africa will attract a surcharge of $125 per container, while shipments to Namibia will incur $150 per unit and those to Mozambique $250 per unit. Higher charges will apply to refrigerated containers destined for Namibia and Mozambique.
MSC attributed the peak season surcharge to strong demand on the Europe–Southern Africa trade lane, stating that the additional charge is required to sustain services at the level expected by customers.
Further Emergency Fuel Surcharges will also be introduced on services between Northern Europe and a range of destinations including Italy, the Red Sea region, East Africa, the West Mediterranean, the Adriatic, Australia and New Zealand. The exact surcharge levels will vary depending on the route and the type of container involved.
The company noted that the newly announced surcharges and rate adjustments will apply in addition to existing costs such as bunker recovery charges, emissions trading system fees, terminal handling charges and other applicable service fees.
The rates will cover freight-all-kinds cargo but exclude shipments classified under IMO hazardous categories and certain high-value commodities.