Maersk: Low water surcharge for Amazon service
Maersk said it is implementing an emergency surcharge on shipments to Manaus, the Brazilian city located about 900 miles up the Amazon River.
Maersk said “the water level on the Amazon River has depleted considerably in recent years. As a result of this, vessels have been forced to reduce their capacity intake by almost 50 percent, a move which has led to immense cargo build up in Panama and disrupted normal trade flows.”
Maersk operates a feeder service between Manzanillo, Panama, and Manaus, as well as the Brazilian ports of Macapa and Vila do Conde.
Maersk said the emergency draft surcharge of $500 per TEU is effective Oct. 18.
“We look forward to lifting the surcharge as soon as the cargo build up eases and the situation improves,” the carrier said.