Shipping giant Maersk Line has announced that it is responding to lower water levels in the Amazon River by introducing an emergency draft surcharge of US$500 per 20ft TEU.
Water levels have 'depleted considerably' in recent weeks, Maersk Line noted, which has resulted in vessels being forced to reduce their capacity intake by almost 50 per cent, in turn leading to 'immense cargo build up' in Panama and the disruption of normal trade flows.
The new emergency draft surcharge will come into force today (18 October), and will remain in place on all shipments to Manaus, Brazil until the backlog eases, Maersk said.
'We look forward to lifting the surcharge as soon as the cargo build up eases and the situation improves,' the group explained in a statement. 'We remain committed to maintaining the service level and coverage our customers have come to expect from Maersk Line.'
