Rising global fuel prices—driven by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor handling approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne oil trade—are exerting upward pressure on inland and intermodal transportation costs worldwide.
In response, Maersk has introduced temporary, region-specific fuel surcharges to mitigate the financial impact of sustained fuel price volatility and supply chain disruptions. These surcharges are designed to support operational continuity, preserve service reliability, and safeguard transport capacity across affected networks.
Australia and New Zealand: Effective Implementation from 16 March 2026
Maersk has implemented an Intermodal Fuel Surcharge (IFS), applicable to both road and rail inland movements, effective 16 March 2026.
In Australia, the IFS applies uniformly across major states, with percentage increases as follows:
Victoria: +17%
New South Wales: +17%
Queensland: +17%
South Australia: +16%
Western Australia: +17%
In New Zealand, corresponding adjustments have been applied to inland transport modes:
Road freight: +13%
Rail freight: +13%
All surcharges will be subject to monthly review, contingent upon prevailing fuel market conditions and price volatility.
Nordic and Baltic Regions: Expanded Surcharge Application
The fuel-related cost pressures have extended to Northern Europe. Maersk has introduced an Emergency Inland Fuel/Energy Surcharge (EFS) for inland shipments across the Nordic and Baltic countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Country-specific rates reflect regional fuel procurement dynamics and logistical exposure:
Estonia: +15.5% (highest increase)
Norway: +1.5% (lowest increase)
Other listed countries: tiered rates aligned with local energy cost indices and infrastructure dependencies
Ongoing Supply Chain Implications
Maersk emphasizes that these measures are strictly responsive and temporary, intended to uphold contractual service levels amid external volatility. The company cautions that further adjustments—including potential expansion, rate recalibration, or duration extension—may be enacted should geopolitical developments or fuel market conditions deteriorate.
Collectively, these developments underscore persistent vulnerabilities in global logistics networks, where prolonged Middle Eastern tensions continue to propagate cost inflation and operational uncertainty across multimodal supply chains.
Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/25Irn5rB737Ex0EyI4ENOA