CMA CGM will introduce an emergency fuel surcharge (EFS) across all Middle East long-haul and intra-regional trades from August 1, 2026, citing a renewed increase in bunker fuel prices.
According to Advisory #12, issued by the French shipping and logistics group on July 21, the surcharge will apply to all cargo based on the loading date, subject to applicable regulatory approvals, and will remain in effect until further notice.
For long-haul headhaul shipments, CMA CGM will levy an emergency fuel surcharge of US$150 per TEU for dry containers and US$165 per TEU for refrigerated (reefer) containers. Equivalent euro-denominated rates have been fixed at €130 per TEU for dry cargo and €145 per TEU for reefers.
On long-haul backhaul routes, the surcharge will be US$75 per TEU for dry containers and US$90 per TEU for refrigerated cargo. The corresponding euro rates are €65 per TEU and €80 per TEU, respectively.
The carrier said the same surcharge levels will also apply to all intra-regional Middle East trades, regardless of the direction of cargo movement.
The emergency surcharge comes as shipping lines continue to grapple with higher operating costs driven by rising bunker fuel prices, adding further pressure to freight rates across regional and international trade lanes.
Headquartered in Marseille, France, CMA CGM is one of the world’s leading container shipping and logistics companies. The group operates a fleet of more than 700 vessels, serving over 250 shipping services and 420 commercial ports worldwide, with a workforce of approximately 160,000 employees across 177 countries.
