Maersk applies reefer congestion surcharge in China

Maersk has announced the ongoing terminal reefer plug shortage experienced in the ports of Xingang and Shanghai. Due to the extended Chinese New Year holidays and Corona Virus situation, yard density has reached critical levels and Maersk says it is forced to divert cargo as no reefer plugs are available at these terminals.

The Danish company recommends customers, when possible, to ship to other Chinese destinations or other markets in order to avoid the congested ports. This recommendation is in particular for transit of time-sensitive, perishable, chilled commodities with a limited/short shelf life, such as fruit/vegetables and frozen meat.

For cargo already in transit, Maersk will offer a free change of destination for those customers who decide to divert the cargo to other Chinese destinations.

Maersk will, until further notice, accept reefer bookings into Shanghai and Xingang strictly on the following conditions, which the customer is deemed to have accepted:

1. Maersk does not guarantee the cargo routing nor take any responsibility for the delivery time. Cargo arriving in the ports of Shanghai and Xingang is being diverted to alternative locations until the ports are able to receive reefers again. Maersk says this situation is outside of its control and is also affecting cargo already in transit to mentioned destination ports.
2. Maersk will apply effective from 7 February 2020 a congestion surcharge of US$ 1,000 per container for all reefer cargo arriving into Shanghai and Xingang to cover the additional cost of re-routing.

Rotterdam to Shanghai

Reefer Containers