Global shipping major A.P. Moller-Maersk has announced the introduction of a Heavy Load Surcharge (HWS) on 20-foot dry containers exceeding 22 metric tonnes shipped from North West India to Europe and the Mediterranean, effective 7 July 2026.
Under the new surcharge structure, an additional charge of €500 (approximately $566) per container will be levied on contract cargo moving through key Indian ports, including Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Pipavav and Hazira when the container’s Verified Gross Mass (VGM) exceeds the prescribed threshold.
The surcharge applies exclusively to 20-foot dry containers (20DRY) and will be determined based on the Price Calculation Date (PCD), which is defined as the scheduled departure date of the first ocean voyage at the time of booking confirmation for non-spot shipments.
According to Maersk, the VGM calculation includes the total cargo weight along with dunnage, bracing materials and the tare weight of the container. Containers exceeding 22 metric tonnes under this calculation will attract the additional charge.
The Danish carrier clarified that the Heavy Load Surcharge will be applied in addition to any existing local and contingency charges. The company also noted that the measure does not alter tariff obligations governed by regional regulatory frameworks, including the US Shipping Act and China’s maritime regulations.
The move is expected to impact exporters handling dense cargoes from India’s western ports to European and Mediterranean destinations, potentially increasing logistics costs for affected shipments.
