Maersk raises ECS rates from the Indian subcontinent/Pakistan to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and West Africa, effective April 1.

On March 17, Maersk issued a new rate announcement, confirming an increase in the Emergency Response Surcharge (ECS) for routes from the Indian subcontinent and Pakistan to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and West Africa. The new rate will be effective from the PCD on April 1, 2026.

This is not a minor adjustment for customers shipping in April. The surcharge for 20-DRY and 40-DRY containers on some European routes has increased by $1,000 per container, and the 40-DRY surcharge for West Africa has also increased from $300 to $800. April quotes, bookings, and profit calculations all need to be recalculated as soon as possible.

Which routes were adjusted this time?

Maersk mainly adjusted three directions this time:

• From the Indian subcontinent to Northern Europe
• From the Indian subcontinent to the Mediterranean
• Indian subcontinent and Pakistan to West Africa

Among them, the most significant increases were seen from the Indian subcontinent to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, with a noticeable rise in ECS (Electronic Control System) prices for both dry and refrigerated containers in multiple originating regions.

Key price increase data

In addition to the table above, ECS rates for shipments from Nepal, southern and eastern India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean have also been increased. For example, for shipments from Nepal, southern and eastern India to Northern Europe, the rate for a 20-dryer shipment has increased from $900 to $1900, and the rate for a 40-dryer shipment has increased from $1000 to $2000.

What impact will this have on cargo owners and freight forwarders?

To sum it up: shipping costs will be tighter in April.

First, the April quotes already under negotiation need to be recalculated. This is especially true for clients in the European and Mediterranean markets; if quotes are still based on the March shipping surcharges, their profits could easily be eroded later on.

Second, booking needs to be done faster. After the surcharge is raised, if shipping companies continue to adjust freight rates accordingly, both the availability of space and total costs may continue to fluctuate in early April.

Third, while the price increase in West Africa wasn't as dramatic as in Europe, the rise in 40-dry-rate cargoes from $300 to $800 was still significant. This will have a direct impact on goods with already thin profit margins.

CZL Reminder

If you have shipping plans from India or Pakistan to Europe, the Mediterranean, or West Africa in April, we suggest you confirm the following things in the next few days:

• Does the existing quote need to be updated?
• Whether to add price difference clauses for orders already discussed
• Do I need to lock in cabin availability in early April?
• Should we simultaneously compare alternative options from different shipping companies?

To verify the latest logistics plan, you can also check CZL's shipping cost inquiry tool:https://exp.czl.net/fee

Source of announcement

• Maersk Announcement:Change to Emergency Contingency Surcharge Indian Subcontinent to North Europe & Mediterranean
• Maersk Reference Announcement:Change to Emergency Contingency Surcharge Indian Subcontinent & Pakistan to West Africa