Maersk to Adjust Emergency Contingency Surcharge for Cargo via Oman and UAE from August 2026

Maersk will revise its Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) for export shipments routed through key transshipment hubs in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), effective 1 August 2026. Depending on the trade lane and container type, the revised surcharge can reach up to USD 7,700 per container.

The adjustment applies to cargo moving through Maersk’s Middle East transshipment network, including Salalah and Sohar in Oman, as well as Fujairah and Khor Fakkan in the UAE, before continuing to various international destinations.

The latest change comes amid continued operational challenges affecting shipping networks in the Middle East. Maersk has previously announced several ECS adjustments for cargo moving through Sohar, Fujairah and Khor Fakkan

Revised ECS Effective 1 August 2026

The new ECS levels will come into effect on 1 August 2026.

For trades that are not subject to U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulations, the surcharge will be determined according to the applicable Price Calculation Date (PCD).

For regulated trades, specific advance-notice requirements apply:

– 30 days for FMC-regulated trades, including shipments involving the United States, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Taiwan and Colombia.

– 15 days for shipments involving Vietnam.

These notice requirements are consistent with Maersk’s approach to previous ECS adjustments affecting Vietnam and FMC-regulated markets.

Which Trade Lanes Will Be Affected?

The revised ECS applies to export cargo moving from Maersk’s designated transshipment hubs in Oman and the UAE to several major international markets.

Affected trade lanes include:

– Northern Europe

– Mediterranean

– West Coast South America

– Caribbean

– Central America

– East Coast South America

– South Africa

The applicable surcharge will depend on several factors, including the origin port, destination and container/equipment type.

According to Maersk’s tariff structure, cargo departing from Sohar, Fujairah and Khor Fakkan will generally be subject to higher ECS levels than shipments routed from Salalah.

What Should Shippers Consider?

For businesses with cargo moving through Oman or the UAE, the ECS revision may affect shipment budgeting and freight planning from August onward.

Before confirming a booking, shippers should review:

1. Routing and transshipment point

The choice of hub—such as Salalah, Sohar, Fujairah or Khor Fakkan—can affect the applicable surcharge.

2. Container type

Dry and reefer equipment may be subject to significantly different ECS levels.

3. Price Calculation Date

The effective date and applicable PCD should be checked carefully when comparing quotations.

4. Total logistics cost

The ocean freight rate should be assessed together with ECS and other applicable local or destination charges.

An Tin Logistics – Supporting Smarter Freight Planning

With freight markets and carrier surcharges continuing to change in response to global operating conditions, having a clear view of the full transportation cost and routing options is increasingly important for exporters and importers.

At An Tín Logistics, we monitor carrier updates and market developments to support customers in evaluating suitable transportation solutions based on route, cargo type, schedule and overall logistics cost.