CMA CGM will impose a $35 per TEU War Risk Surcharge on cargo to and from Black Sea countries from November 9, 2026, equivalent to $70 on a standard 40-foot container. The carrier announced the move on October 30 after the Joint War Committee designated the Black Sea a war risk zone on September 16, 2026. Shipments involving the US, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America face a December 1 start date subject to regulatory filings. The charge covers dry, reefer, out-of-gauge and special cargo on CMA CGM and third-party feeder services, and applies at ports including Constanta, Poti, Varna and Burgas. MSC is separately extending its $55 piracy and $36 Suez surcharges from November 15.
According to www.chemanalyst.com, CMA CGM will levy a War Risk Surcharge of $35 per TEU on all cargo moving to and from Black Sea countries from November 9, after the region was designated a war risk zone.
The French carrier announced the decision on October 30, setting an effective date of November 9, 2026 for most shipments. The charge applies to dry, reefer, out-of-gauge and special cargo, covering movements in both directions whether the boxes travel on CMA CGM’s own services or through third-party feeder networks.
At $35 per TEU, the surcharge equates to an additional $70 for a standard 40-foot container. CMA CGM said bunker-related charges, terminal handling charges, security and safety surcharges, and other local charges may continue to apply separately.
Regulatory delay for US and other trades
Shipments involving the United States and its territories, Australia, New Zealand and Latin American countries will see the surcharge take effect on December 1, subject to regulatory filings.
The surcharge covers Black Sea ports including Constanta in Romania, Poti in Georgia, and Varna and Burgas in Bulgaria, along with other regional ports served by the carrier. Constanta and Poti also function as gateways for inland markets such as Moldova, Ukraine and parts of Central Asia.
Security deterioration drove the decision
The move follows a worsening security environment in the Black Sea, where drone attacks on commercial vessels and port infrastructure have increased operational and insurance risks.
On September 16, 2026, the Joint War Committee (JWC) designated the Black Sea maritime area as a war risk zone under its Listed Areas (JWLA), exposing vessels operating there to additional risk-related costs. CMA CGM said the surcharge is intended to offset those expenses and maintain service continuity.
“The new surcharge is intended to offset these additional expenses and maintain service continuity.” — CMA CGM
The measure reflects the wider impact of geopolitical instability on container shipping, as lines operating in high-risk areas face higher insurance premiums, tougher security requirements and potential operational disruptions.
MSC extends its own security charges
Similar cost-recovery measures are already appearing elsewhere in the market. MSC announced on November 4 that it would extend its Piracy Risk Surcharge of $55 per TEU and Suez Canal Surcharge of $36 per TEU to additional Mediterranean and Black Sea ports from November 15.
The two announcements show how security-related costs are increasingly being folded into ocean freight pricing across affected trade lanes, adding another layer of cost uncertainty for Black Sea trade.
What it means for shippers
The surcharge directly raises freight costs for importers and exporters using the Black Sea region. Freight forwarders will need to review existing quotations and contracts, particularly for cargo moving through Constanta and Poti.
For spot shipments and short-term bookings, the additional charge is expected to be passed on in full. Long-term contract customers may also face implementation as CMA CGM seeks to recover the costs of operating in the region. While the surcharge is modest compared with some emergency conflict-related charges introduced elsewhere, it adds cost uncertainty to Black Sea trade.
- November 9, 2026: general effective date for the $35 per TEU surcharge
- December 1: effective date for US, Australian, New Zealand and Latin American shipments
- November 15: MSC extends its $55 piracy and $36 Suez surcharges to more ports
Short-term outlook
Shippers and forwarders should monitor further carrier announcements to confirm how the surcharge will be applied to bookings and bills of lading issued from November 9.
Particular attention should go to the December 1 date for US, Australian, New Zealand and Latin American shipments where regulatory filings apply. Key factors to watch include further security incidents, changes in war-risk insurance costs and whether competing carriers introduce similar charges.
Until the regional security situation improves, Black Sea freight rates and sailing schedules are likely to remain exposed to additional volatility.
Source: chemanalyst.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
