Port of Khor Fakkan congestion averages over 7 days, RCL announces tough measures

This measure follows sustained port congestion, with average vessel waiting times now exceeding seven days—resulting in elevated operational costs, reduced berth utilization efficiency, and extended vessel turnaround times. To ensure service stability and financial sustainability across its liner network, RCL has introduced the PCS to recover incremental costs directly attributable to port delays.

Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) – Key Details

Surcharge Name / Code: Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) / 11000

Applicable Trade Lane: All export origins to Khor Fakkan Port, UAE (UN/LOCODE: AEKLF)

Applicable Equipment & Cargo Types:

20-foot dry containers
40-foot dry containers
40-foot high-cube dry containers
Refrigerated containers (reefers)
Dangerous goods (in compliant packaging and documentation)
Specialized equipment (e.g., flat racks, open tops)
Out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo
Both carrier-owned and shipper-owned containers

Charge Amount: USD 450 per TEU-equivalent unit (i.e., per 20-foot container or per 40-foot container counted as one unit)

Payment Terms: Collect at destination; payable by the consignee prior to cargo release

Effective Scope: Applies to all cargo already picked up, gated-in at origin, or en route aboard the following designated vessels and voyages:

VIRA BHUM 147W
HIRANYA BHUM 014W
KMTC MUMBAI 2605W
HUNSA BHUM 025W

Important Notes:

• The PCS is levied in addition to base freight rates, applicable bunker adjustment factors (BAF), currency adjustment factors (CAF), and standard terminal handling charges (THC).

• Consignees must settle the PCS locally at Khor Fakkan Port before RCL authorizes cargo release. Failure to remit the charge may result in delayed delivery or demurrage accrual.

Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/rcXR46XwkQ7yldGamGhfEA