CMA CGM to Implement New Port Congestion Surcharges
The carrier will begin applying additional fees for cargo arriving at key West African ports starting in November 2026.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Transportation
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Shipping giant CMA CGM is set to introduce new port congestion surcharges for vessels arriving in Tema, Freetown, and Monrovia. These fees are scheduled to take effect for most shipments on November 1, 2026, to address challenging operating conditions at these locations.
Why it matters
The surcharges are designed to help the carrier manage the increased operational costs caused by current congestion at these West African ports. By passing these expenses to shippers, the company aims to maintain service reliability despite local infrastructure delays.
Dry containers headed to Tema face a US$200 surcharge per TEU, while refrigerated units to the same port incur a US$1,000 fee. Other surcharges vary by origin, such as €250 for dry containers to Monrovia and €350 for shipments to Freetown.
The players
CMA CGM
CMA CGM is a leading global shipping and logistics company headquartered in Marseille, France.
The details
The surcharges apply to dry, refrigerated, and special equipment containers and are collected alongside standard freight payments. These adjustments are specifically tailored to the shipment origin and the type of container utilized for the transit.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: The charges take effect for most global shipments.
November 15, 2026: The charges take effect for shipments originating from the United States and Brazil.
Market Landscape
This move highlights the ongoing volatility in global logistics as carriers increasingly utilize surcharges to buffer against regional bottleneck risks. It positions the company to maintain operational margins while competitors face similar challenges at emerging market hubs.
Businesses shipping goods to these specific West African markets should expect increased landed costs for cargo arriving after the November implementation dates. Customers may see these costs reflected in final pricing as importers adjust to the new tariff structure.
The takeaway
Shippers should review their current supply chain contracts to determine how these specific port surcharges will impact their shipping budgets. Maintaining updated logistics schedules will be critical for navigating the varying implementation dates across different regions.
Further reading
Learn more about shifting global logistics trends in our Transportation section.
Live Poll
Do you expect these increased shipping surcharges to make goods in your area more expensive?
