CMA CGM introduces Black Sea war risk surcharge and revises dangerous goods charges
CMA CGM has announced a new War Risk Surcharge for container shipments to and from Black Sea countries, alongside revised Dangerous Goods Surcharges on selected routes connecting Europe and North Africa with the Red Sea and Indian Subcontinent.
The French container shipping group will introduce a War Risk Surcharge (WRS) of US$35 per TEU for all cargo types moving to or from Black Sea countries. The measure will take effect on 9 November 2026, with a later implementation date of 1 December for the United States and its territories, Australia, New Zealand and Latin American countries subject to regulatory filing requirements.
CMA CGM attributed the decision to the deterioration of maritime security conditions in the Black Sea. The carrier noted that the Joint War Committee expanded the maritime area covered by its Listed Areas on 16 September 2026, increasing the costs associated with operating vessels in the region.
The surcharge applies to all cargo categories within the announced geographical scope, rather than being restricted to specific container equipment types.
Revised charges for dangerous goods shipments
Separately, CMA CGM has updated its Dangerous Goods Surcharge for shipments involving selected Red Sea destinations.
Effective from 27 October 2026, a charge of US$150 per TEU applies to all cargo classified under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code moving from Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Port Sudan in Sudan.
The same charge applies to IMDG shipments originating in these regions and moving to the Indian Subcontinent via Jeddah.
The revision concerns dangerous goods shipments on the specified routes and does not represent a general surcharge on all cargo transported through the Red Sea.
Additional shipping costs may apply
CMA CGM stated that the revised charges are separate from applicable base freight rates and may be accompanied by other costs depending on the shipment.
These can include bunker-related surcharges, terminal handling charges, security-related fees, contingency charges and local charges.
The two measures address different operating conditions. The Black Sea WRS reflects the carrier’s assessment of maritime security risks, while the Dangerous Goods Surcharge applies specifically to regulated hazardous cargo on the identified trade lanes.
CMA CGM said it would continue monitoring the Black Sea situation, with further information about individual vessels and voyages available through its customer service teams.
