Maersk has announced a new surcharge of $1,000 per container for all cargo moving through the Strait of Hormuz, effective July 23, 2026. This fee applies to all container types and sizes, including dry and reefer cargo. The carrier stated that this measure is necessary to offset the rising operational expenses and heightened security risks encountered when sailing through this critical waterway.
The introduction of this surcharge comes amidst ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East, particularly the pressure on Red Sea shipping lanes from Houthi activities. While the immediate cause for the Hormuz surcharge is not explicitly linked to Red Sea diversions, it reflects a broader trend of increased risk assessment and cost adjustments by carriers operating in the wider region.
For freight forwarders and shippers, this new charge will directly impact the cost of goods moving to and from ports within the Persian Gulf. Forwarders will need to update their pricing models and communicate these additional costs to their clients, potentially affecting supply chain budgets and competitiveness for cargo destined for or originating from the region. The added cost could also influence routing decisions for some shippers, though the Strait of Hormuz remains a vital access point for many Middle Eastern markets.
It is anticipated that other carriers may follow suit with similar surcharges if regional tensions persist or escalate, further impacting the cost of maritime logistics in the Middle East.
