Maersk revises HLS for 20’ containers on Far East Asia–Europe trades

COPENHAGEN : Global shipping and logistics major A.P. Moller – Maersk has announced a revision to its Heavy Load Surcharge (HLS) applicable to all 20-foot container equipment types moving from Far East Asia to North Europe and Mediterranean trades (E1W/E2W).

The revised surcharge will take effect with a price calculation date (PCD) of 25 May 2026, impacting cargo shipments where the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) exceeds 25 metric tons.

Under the updated tariff structure, a surcharge of USD 400 per container will be applied to all qualifying 20-foot equipment categories transported from Far East Asia to North Europe and the Mediterranean.

The surcharge covers a broad range of 20-foot container types, including 20’ Dry, Bulk, Collapsible Flat Rack, Flat Rack, Hive, Pallet Wide, Open Top, Tank, Twin Deck, and Reefer containers.

According to Maersk, the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) represents the total weight of the cargo, including dunnage, bracing materials, and the tare weight of the container. Once the VGM exceeds the prescribed threshold of 25 metric tons, the Heavy Load Surcharge will be automatically triggered.

The revised surcharge will apply across Maersk’s full portfolio of ocean freight products, including contract cargo, SPOT bookings, Maersk Go, and other ocean transport services.

The company clarified that, for non-FMC regulated trades, the applicable Price Calculation Date is based on the scheduled departure date of the first ocean leg at booking confirmation for non-spot shipments. For FMC-regulated trades, the PCD will correspond to the last container gate-in date for non-spot bookings, while for SPOT bookings, pricing will be determined according to the booking confirmation date.

Maersk noted that the surcharge revision applies to trade lanes originating from Far East Asia, including Brunei, China, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, Cambodia, Mongolia, South Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan China, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The shipping line also emphasized that, for trades governed by the US Shipping Act or China Maritime Regulations, any quotations or surcharge variations differing from Maersk’s official tariff structure will only be binding if formally incorporated into a filed service contract or amendment with the relevant regulatory authority.

Maersk stated that surcharge levels are reviewed regularly as part of its ongoing tariff management and encouraged customers to consult its tariff lookup and local representatives for updated pricing information and logistics support.