CMA CGM announces additional surcharges for Indian Ocean and Mozambique shipments
CMA CGM has announced three freight surcharge measures covering shipments to Réunion, cargo originating from Mozambique’s Port of Beira and overweight containers moving from China to Indian Ocean destinations, with implementation dates in November 2026.
The announcements, issued on 29 October, introduce a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS), a Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) and an Overweight Surcharge (OWS). The charges apply to different trade routes and cargo categories, with amounts ranging from USD 100 per container to USD 300 per TEU, depending on the measure.
The latest adjustments follow a series of earlier surcharge announcements by the French shipping group affecting trade routes between Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Peak season and congestion surcharges
From 15 November 2026, CMA CGM will apply a Peak Season Surcharge of USD 300 per TEU on shipments from the Far East to Pointe des Galets in Réunion. The measure covers all cargo types.
For shipments originating in China, the surcharge will be subject to filing with the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and/or inclusion in the ocean freight rate, according to the carrier.
Separately, CMA CGM has announced a Port Congestion Surcharge of USD 100 per container on cargo shipped from Beira, Mozambique, to all destinations.
The congestion surcharge will apply to dry, hazardous and out-of-gauge cargo from 15 November 2026, based on the loading date. For countries subject to filing requirements, the effective date will be 30 November. The carrier stated that the measure is subject to space availability.
CMA CGM attributed the surcharge to congestion at the Port of Beira but did not provide specific figures on vessel waiting times or the extent of operational delays.
Overweight charge for China–Indian Ocean cargo
The carrier has also introduced an Overweight Surcharge of USD 300 per container for 20-foot dry containers with a gross weight exceeding 18 tonnes, shipped from China to Indian Ocean destinations.
The measure takes effect on 1 November 2026 and will remain applicable until further notice.
Port Louis in Mauritius is excluded from the new USD 300 charge, with its existing Overweight Surcharge remaining at USD 500 per qualifying container.
Unlike the Peak Season Surcharge calculated per TEU, the overweight charge applies to each qualifying 20-foot dry container.
The three measures have separate geographical scopes, implementation dates and equipment requirements. CMA CGM also notes that additional charges, including bunker-related surcharges, terminal handling charges, security charges and applicable local fees, may apply depending on the shipment.
