Shipping Line Introduces PSS Across All Container Sizes and Equipment Types Amid Seasonal Demand on the Europe-Bound Trade Lane
COPENHAGEN: Global shipping major A.P. Moller–Maersk has announced the implementation of a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on cargo movements from Far East Asia to North Europe, effective December 1, 2026, based on the applicable Price Calculation Date (PCD).
Under the revised surcharge structure, Maersk will levy USD 500 per 20-foot container and USD 1,000 per 40-foot and 45-foot container. The surcharge will apply across the Far East Asia–North Europe trade scope and cover all eligible container equipment types.
According to the announcement issued to the trade, the revised charges will be applicable to all equipment categories, including standard dry, high dry, reefer, high-cube reefer, bulk, collapsible flat rack, flat rack, hive, pallet wide, open top, tank and twin-deck containers.
Revised PSS Tariff Structure
The surcharge applicable from December 1, 2026, is outlined below:
| Origin | Destination | Container Size | Effective Date | Currency | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Far East Asia | North Europe | All 20′ | 01-Dec-26 | USD | 500 |
| Far East Asia | North Europe | All 40′ & 45′ | 01-Dec-26 | USD | 1000 |
The surcharge covers shipments originating from Brunei, China, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, Cambodia, Mongolia, South Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan China, Thailand and Vietnam, destined for the specified North European trade destinations.
Price Calculation Date and Payment Terms
Maersk has clarified that the applicable surcharge for non-SPOT bookings will be determined based on the Price Calculation Date (PCD).
For non-FMC-regulated trades, the PCD will be the scheduled departure date of the first water leg prevailing at the time of booking confirmation. For FMC-regulated trades, the PCD will be the last container gate-in date for non-SPOT bookings.
The company has further stated that the surcharge will be collected at the freight-paid location, in accordance with the applicable payment terms.
Additional Charges and Regulatory Provisions
Maersk has advised customers that the announced PSS rates will be subject to other applicable surcharges, including local charges and contingency-related charges. The revised rates are also independent of any tariffs notified, published or filed under applicable local regulatory requirements.
For trades governed by the US Shipping Act or China’s Maritime Regulations, Maersk clarified that quotations or surcharges differing from its published tariff will not be binding unless incorporated into a relevant service contract or amendment filed with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) or the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, as applicable.
The shipping line also indicated that it regularly reviews its surcharge structures and that customers can access the latest applicable rates and updates through its official tariff lookup and rate-announcement platforms.
Implications for Shippers and Freight Forwarders
The introduction of the new PSS structure will be an important cost consideration for exporters, importers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers moving cargo from Far East Asia to North Europe.
With the surcharge reaching USD 1,000 for 40-foot and 45-foot containers, shippers will need to factor the additional cost into their freight budgets, shipment planning and logistics procurement strategies for cargo movements falling under the revised effective-date provisions.
Customers are advised to verify the applicable surcharge based on their booking category, regulatory requirements and Price Calculation Date, and to coordinate with their respective Maersk representatives to understand the impact on upcoming shipments.
The latest tariff details are available through Maersk’s official Tariff Lookup portal: https://www.maersk.com/tariff-lookup/
The revised PSS will take effect from December 1, 2026.
