Maersk announces new Turkey-Somalia container surcharge

Maersk, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, has announced a new peak season surcharge on cargo transported from Türkiye to Somalia, a move that will increase shipping costs for importers using the trade route from July 28, 2026.

The surcharge, announced on Tuesday, will apply to new non-SPOT bookings made from July 28 until further notice. According to the company, the additional charges are intended to support service coverage on the Türkiye–Somalia shipping route amid continued pressures affecting global maritime transport.

Under the revised pricing, customers shipping goods in 20-foot dry containers will pay an additional $200 per container, while shipments in 40-foot and 45-foot dry containers will attract a $300 surcharge. Maersk said cargo already covered under existing commitments will not be affected by the new pricing.

The Danish shipping giant said the surcharge is being introduced to help maintain reliable service on the Türkiye–Somalia route, although it did not specify the operational or commercial factors that prompted the decision.