Maersk announces emergency global fuel surcharge due to Middle East conflict

Shipping company A.P. Moller-Maersk has announced the implementation of an Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS) across its global network. This decision follows the escalation of conflict in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region, which has disrupted shipping routes and fuel availability. Major shipping liners are currently rerouting vessels and bypassing critical navigation points to manage operational risks. The new surcharge is scheduled to take effect on March 25, 2026. The company stated that the temporary fee is necessary to secure fuel access and maintain network stability. The policy will be applied universally without exemptions and will be reviewed every 14 days based on market conditions. These logistics challenges are contributing to increased operational costs and volatility in global container freight rates.