This adjustment responds to deteriorating hydrological conditions on the Amazon River system, where declining water levels are increasingly constraining navigability. According to CMA CGM, August 2026 witnessed an accelerated decline in water levels along the Rio Negro and Amazon River—faster than in any comparable August over the past five years, with the exception of 2024. Current levels are approaching those recorded during the critical low-water event of 2023.

The decision follows an official navigation advisory issued by the Western Amazon Harbour Master on 28 August 2026. Authorities determine navigational safety through integrated assessments, including real-time river level monitoring, bathymetric surveys, and operational input from licensed river pilots. Particular attention is given to high-risk zones such as Foz do Madeira and Tabocal, where reduced depth poses significant draft limitations.

Preliminary forecasts indicate that Maximum Recommended Draft (MRD) restrictions may be introduced as early as mid-September 2026. Should water levels continue to fall, further reductions in permissible draft—and consequently, vessel loading capacity—are anticipated. In response, CMA CGM expects to implement operational adaptations, including adjustments to vessel deployment, port call sequencing, cargo stowage planning, and inland transport coordination. These measures may include the deployment of floating piers and other infrastructure-supported logistics interventions.

Such draft restrictions directly reduce available maritime transport capacity and generate incremental operational costs—including barge repositioning, extended storage, mandatory pilotage, and infrastructure reinforcement. The LWS is intended to offset these verified, non-discretionary cost increases arising from hydrological constraints beyond the carrier’s control.

For billing purposes, the LWS will be applied based on the date the cargo transits the relevant river segment, port facility, or pier while aboard the vessel. CMA CGM will maintain continuous monitoring of hydrological data, bathymetric reports, and official notices from port and river authorities. The surcharge remains subject to periodic review and potential adjustment should there be material improvement—or further deterioration—in navigational conditions.

Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/fh-UI_BhFm8louXCIdWqmA