Following Panama Canal’s tariff increase, Maersk announced they will implement a Panama Canal Surcharge (PCC) for all cargo transiting through the Canal, which will come into force by April 1st, 2020.
To remind, the Panama Canal Authority announced that the Freshwater charge, which aims to improve the Canal’s water levels after the changing rainfall patterns and the low water levels at Gatun Lake, will be implemented by February 15. In light of this announcement, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) expressed its opposition, encouraging the Panama Maritime Authority to reconsider the fee implementation.
In addition to Panama, Maersk decided doubling down on Panama Canal tariffs.
Now, shippers will have to pay a $30 per teu surcharge for all cargoes transiting the waterway, concerning both dry and reef.
Overall, the Panama Canal Authority announced a $10,000 fresh water surcharge for all transits, effective February 15. In addition, a variable fee ranging from a minimum of 1% to a maximum of 10% of the vessel’s toll will be applied.