CMA CGM Introduces $1,000 Peak Season Surcharge on Reefer Shipments to Arabian Gulf
Shipping Arabia, October 11, 2026 – French container shipping company CMA CGM has announced a $1,000 peak season surcharge (PSS) on refrigerated container shipments from Northern Europe to Arabian Gulf destinations, effective from mid-October 2026. The additional charge will apply exclusively to reefer containers and will be levied on top of existing ocean freight rates.
The carrier confirmed the new surcharge in an announcement outlining the upcoming adjustment to its freight charges. The measure specifically targets refrigerated cargo moving from Northern Europe to Arabian Gulf countries, rather than all containerized shipments on the trade route.
The $1,000 charge represents an additional cost per refrigerated container, separate from the underlying ocean freight rate.
CMA CGM Peak Season Surcharge Targets Reefer Cargo
The CMA CGM peak season surcharge will take effect in mid-October, according to the company’s announcement.
The carrier specified that the surcharge applies only to refrigerated containers. Other container types were not included in the announced measure.
The additional fee will be applied separately from the original freight rate, increasing the total shipping charges for affected reefer shipments moving between Northern Europe and Arabian Gulf destinations.
Maersk Ends Cooperation with CMA CGM on ASAS2 Service
In a separate development, Maersk announced that it will terminate its cooperation with CMA CGM on the ASAS2 container shipping service connecting Asia with the East Coast of South America.
The final sailing under the existing cooperation arrangement is scheduled to depart Shanghai on December 8, 2026, operating as voyage 650W.
Following that departure, the ASAS2 service will be discontinued, bringing the current arrangement between the two container shipping companies on the trade route to an end.
However, Maersk confirmed that it will maintain its presence in the Asia–East Coast South America trade through its existing ASAS service.
Maersk to Maintain Asia–South America Shipping Connections
According to Maersk, the ASAS service will continue operating normally as a product managed and controlled entirely by the Danish shipping company.
Customers will remain able to book shipments between Asia and the East Coast of South America through the ASAS network without interruption following the termination of the ASAS2 cooperation.
Maersk explained that retaining full operational control will allow it to manage and develop the service independently, responding directly to customer requirements and changing market conditions.
The decision marks the end of the CMA CGM–Maersk cooperation on ASAS2 while preserving Maersk’s container shipping offering between Asia and the East Coast of South America.
Source: Al Mal