Maersk is introducing a US$500-per-container emergency operational cost recovery surcharge on shipments from most global origins to the United Arab Emirates, while also raising intermodal fuel fees across the Benelux region amid continuing energy-market volatility.
The new UAE surcharge, known as the Emergency Operational Cost Recovery (OCR), will apply to contract bookings covering dry, reefer and special containers. It will take effect from September 15, 2026 for non-regulated countries, while shipments from regulated markets will be subject to the charge from October 9. Far East Asia origins are excluded.
Separately, Maersk has increased its Intermodal Fuel Fee (EFS/IFS) for Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. For the period from September 14 to September 28, the fee is set at 12% for truck and barge/BCO services, while rail-connected RCO services face a 6% charge.
Maersk said the Benelux adjustment reflects the sharp rise in global energy prices and the impact of the Middle East security situation on fuel availability. The carrier said the intermodal surcharge will be reviewed every two weeks as market conditions evolve.
The UAE surcharge similarly reflects higher operational costs and the need to maintain service continuity amid disruptions affecting energy and logistics markets.
The latest measures add to a series of fuel and emergency cost adjustments introduced by Maersk across its network. For shippers, the changes are likely to increase both ocean and inland transportation costs, particularly on cargo moving through the UAE and major Benelux logistics gateways.
The developments underline the growing impact of energy-market volatility on global container logistics, with carriers increasingly using temporary surcharges to recover higher transportation and operating costs.