Maersk imposes Peak season surcharge on shipments from West Africa to Canada
In response to the complexity of global shipping, Danish shipping giant Maersk has announced a peak season surcharge (PSS) on cargo shipped from West Africa to Canada. The decision comes as the cargo shipping industry struggles with fluctuating demand and capacity constraints, especially during peak shipping seasons.
West Africa is a region rich in resources and with huge economic potential, These include Namibia, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde Island, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d 'Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, SAO Tome and Principe, Senegal and Serali Aung SAN, Togo and Western Sahara. These countries play an important role in the supply chain, providing everything from agricultural products to raw materials.
The introduction of PSS is aimed at offsetting increased operating costs during peak periods and ensuring that Maersk can continue to provide reliable services to its customers. The surcharge is particularly important for Canadian businesses that rely on West African imports, as it could affect freight rates and overall logistics planning.
As global trade continues to grow, shipping companies such as Maersk are adapting to the challenges posed by seasonal fluctuations in demand. PSS reflects a broader trend in the shipping industry where companies must balance profitability with maintaining competitive prices for customers.
Both MSC and MSA have announced the increase of surcharges on different routes, which requires the buyer and seller as well as the cargo forwarder to strictly control their own costs and risks when facing the import and export of goods.
The surcharge will be effective from 15 January 2025 until further notice.
