Maersk, which controls over 30% of cargo at the Port of Mombasa, has announced a notable increase in its peak season surcharge (PSS) for cargo moving from China, including Hong Kong, to key East African destinations.
The revised charges, which will take effect from January 12, 2025, are aimed at sustaining service levels during high-demand periods. Shipments bound for Kenya will see the surcharge rise from Sh77,400 ($600) to Sh90,300 ($700) for a standard 20-foot dry container, while all 40-foot and 45-foot containers, including dry, high-cube, and reefers, will incur a charge of Sh154,800 ($1,200), up from Sh129,000 ($1,000).
The adjustment reflects ongoing pressures on global supply chains and the need to manage capacity effectively during seasonal peaks. For the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, the new PSS will be Sh77,400 ($600) for a 20-foot container, with the same Sh154,800 ($1,200) fee applying to all 40-foot and 45-foot high-cube dry units.
The Danish shipping group has clarified that these tariffs are essential to maintaining global service provision, highlighting the link between revised surcharges and operational reliability. A critical detail for shippers is how these rates are applied based on booking type.
For non-spot bookings, the final surcharge is determined by the price calculation date (PCD). In non-FMC trades, this is the scheduled departure of the first ocean leg at the time of booking confirmation, while in FMC trades it is the last container gate-in date, a nuance vital for accurate cost forecasting.
For spot bookings, the rate is fixed based on the first vessel’s estimated time of departure (ETD) confirmed at the time of booking, offering immediate cost certainty for urgent shipments. Maersk has also stated that these prices may change in the future to allow businesses to plan logistics and finances with greater clarity.
With the company handling about 300,000 containers annually, the move is set to affect many across the industry and the wider economy. This comes shortly after the shipping line introduced the operational cost imports (OCI) fee in December 2025, a surcharge designed to offset specific additional expenses, particularly those linked to increased container inspection processes within the country.
The OCI is applied universally, regardless of shipment origin, and is invoiced in addition to standard freight charges.
