French container shipping giant CMA CGM has announced a peak season surcharge (PSS) of $1,000 per refrigerated container for shipments from Northern Europe to Arabian Gulf destinations, effective from mid-October 2026.
The surcharge will apply exclusively to refrigerated (reefer) containers and will be charged in addition to existing ocean freight rates, according to the carrier’s announcement. The move will increase shipping costs for temperature-sensitive cargo moving on the trade lane during the peak season.
In a separate development, Maersk has announced the termination of its cooperation with CMA CGM on the ASAS2 service connecting Asia with the East Coast of South America.
The final sailing under the existing arrangement is scheduled to depart Shanghai on 8 December 2026, operating as voyage 650W. The ASAS2 service will be discontinued following this departure.
However, Maersk has confirmed that it will continue serving the Asia–East Coast South America trade through its ASAS service, which will operate as a fully Maersk-managed product. The company said customers would continue to book shipments between Asia and the East Coast of South America through the ASAS network without interruption.
According to Maersk, independent operational control will enable it to manage and develop the service in line with customer requirements and changing market conditions.
The two announcements highlight separate developments in container shipping, with CMA CGM introducing additional seasonal charges on reefer cargo and Maersk preparing to operate its Asia–South America service independently following the end of its cooperation with CMA CGM on ASAS2.