Shipping major Maersk has announced the introduction of a new export service fee at DP World-operated terminals in the UK, reflecting rising port-related costs.
The surcharge, equivalent to approximately $6.82 (GBP 5), will apply per export laden container handled at DP World terminals in London Gateway and Southampton. The fee is set to take effect from July 1, 2026, and will be passed on to customers as part of export handling charges.
According to the announcement, the Export Service Fee (ESF) will be invoiced for all applicable shipments and may be adjusted with prior notice depending on market conditions.
Industry observers note that the move is part of a broader trend of increasing port and terminal charges across Europe, driven by higher operational costs, infrastructure investments, and regulatory requirements. Such surcharges are typically passed through by carriers to shippers, adding to overall logistics expenses.
The introduction of the fee is expected to marginally raise export costs for UK-based shippers, particularly those moving containerised cargo through the two key DP World hubs, which serve as major gateways for international trade.
As carriers continue to adjust pricing structures amid evolving cost pressures, further revisions to port-related charges across global networks are likely in the coming months.
