Global shipping major A.P. Moller–Maersk has announced the introduction of a Dry Port Surcharge (DPS) on Indian export cargo, adding to inland logistics costs for exporters.
The surcharge will be applicable on 40-foot dry containers originating from select inland container depots (ICDs) and dry ports in India and moving towards ports of loading for export to global destinations. The new charge comes into effect from December 24, 2025, according to Maersk’s latest tariff advisory.
Maersk said the surcharge has been introduced to support service reliability, inland connectivity and network efficiency, citing evolving operational and cost dynamics in inland transportation. The DPS will be applied uniformly across covered locations, irrespective of destination markets.
Industry sources noted that the move could impact export-oriented sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, particularly those heavily dependent on inland container movement.
The announcement comes amid broader adjustments by ocean carriers to inland and port-related charges, as logistics providers seek to balance rising costs with service commitments in a competitive market environment.
