Maersk PSS Update: China to Middle East – Feb 25, 2026
- Maersk is implementing a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for shipments from a broad range of Asian origins to the United Arab Emirates and several other Middle Eastern nations,...
- The move reflects ongoing pressures on global shipping networks and anticipated demand increases, a common practice during peak seasons to manage capacity and operational costs.
- According to Maersk, the rate calculation for non-SPOT bookings will be based on the Price Calculation Date (PCD), defined as the scheduled departure date of the first water...
Maersk is implementing a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for shipments from a broad range of Asian origins to the United Arab Emirates and several other Middle Eastern nations, effective . The surcharge applies to cargo originating in China, Hong Kong, Brunei, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and East Timor, destined for the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The move reflects ongoing pressures on global shipping networks and anticipated demand increases, a common practice during peak seasons to manage capacity and operational costs. While the precise financial impact will vary depending on container specifics and booking types, the surcharge is designed to cover increased expenses associated with heightened logistical activity.
According to Maersk, the rate calculation for non-SPOT bookings will be based on the Price Calculation Date (PCD), defined as the scheduled departure date of the first water leg at the time of booking confirmation. For shipments subject to the US Shipping Act or China Maritime Regulations, any variations from the standard Maersk Line tariff must be included in a filed service contract or amendment with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) or the Shanghai Shipping Exchange to be considered binding.
For SPOT bookings, the rate will be determined based on the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of the first vessel at the time of booking confirmation. Maersk emphasizes that the announced rates are subject to other applicable surcharges, including local charges and contingency fees, which are not included in the base PSS amount.
The introduction of this PSS follows a previously announced Operational Cost Imports (OCI) surcharge implemented in for shipments from around the world, excluding China, to Jebel Ali in the UAE. That surcharge, also introduced by Maersk, aimed to address rising operational costs associated with handling imports at the key regional hub. The latest PSS appears to be a targeted response to specific trade lane conditions and anticipated demand from key Asian manufacturing centers.
The UAE, particularly Jebel Ali Port, serves as a critical transshipment hub for the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. Any increase in shipping costs to the region has a ripple effect on trade and consumer prices throughout these connected markets. The timing of the PSS, coinciding with potential post-Lunar New Year increases in manufacturing output from China and Southeast Asia, suggests a proactive measure to manage anticipated volume.
Maersk also recently revised its Transport Document Issuance Service fee (BLI/BLE) for import/export shipments to and from the United Arab Emirates, effective . This adjustment, while separate from the PSS, indicates a broader trend of cost recalibration within the shipping industry as it adapts to evolving market conditions and regulatory requirements.
The broader context of these adjustments comes amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties impacting global shipping routes. Recent advisories from Maersk highlight operational challenges through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, prompting some carriers to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant time and cost to voyages. While the PSS specifically targets Asian-Middle East routes, the overall environment of increased risk and logistical complexity is contributing to upward pressure on shipping rates globally.
Maersk has been actively involved in service network adjustments, including collaborations with Hapag-Lloyd to maintain service continuity through the Red Sea with the Gemini service. These strategic partnerships and route modifications are aimed at mitigating disruptions and ensuring reliable cargo delivery, even in the face of heightened security concerns.
The company also issued advisories regarding mandatory electronic cargo tracking (ECTN) for cargo to Mogadishu Port and mandatory advance cargo declaration reference numbers for imports into Sudan, demonstrating a focus on compliance with evolving regional regulations. These requirements add administrative layers and potential costs for shippers, further contributing to the overall complexity of international trade.
Customers with questions regarding the new PSS are directed to contact Maersk’s local representatives via the company’s website, Maersk.com. The company’s market update for provides further details on these and other recent developments affecting its services in the IMEA (India, Middle East, and Africa) region.
The implementation of the PSS underscores the dynamic nature of the global shipping industry and the constant need for carriers to adapt to changing market forces, geopolitical events, and regulatory landscapes. The surcharge is likely to be closely monitored by shippers and freight forwarders as they assess its impact on their supply chain costs and overall trade strategies.