Maersk Introduces Dry Port Surcharge on India Container Routes Effective March 28

Maersk announced the introduction of a dry port surcharge (DPS) on all 40-foot dry containers originating from Indian ports and destined for worldwide locations, with the charge taking effect March 28, 2026. The carrier will levy 5,000 Indian rupees (approximately $60) per container under the charge code DPS, applicable to shipments under its AFLS service offering. The surcharge applies to both regulated and non-regulated countries, according to the announcement. **Impact on India Shipping** India represents a critical node in global container shipping, both as a source of exports—particularly textiles, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods—and as a destination for imports. The surcharge could materially affect shippers' cost structures on these high-traffic routes, forcing logistics managers to factor the additional charge into landed costs and pricing strategies. Maersk justified the move as necessary to "continue offering our broad portfolio of services and high level of reliability." The carrier did not elaborate on specific cost drivers behind the surcharge, though it aligns with industry-wide pressures on terminal operators and port facilities managing increased container volumes. **Shipping Cost Dynamics** The imposition follows months of freight rate fluctuations across major trade lanes. While container shipping rates have stabilized compared to pandemic-era peaks, carriers continue managing cost pressures from fuel, labor, and port infrastructure investments. Maersk, the world's largest container carrier by capacity and revenue, frequently introduces or adjusts surcharges to reflect operational realities at specific ports and routes. Dry container volumes from India have remained robust, driven by strong export demand and supply chain reorientation away from China-heavy dependencies. The surcharge targets dry containers specifically—used for general cargo, textiles, and manufactured goods—rather than refrigerated or specialized equipment. **Shipper Implications** For exporters and importers using India ports, the surcharge represents an additional logistics cost that may pressure margins or require price adjustments for end customers. Shippers on price-sensitive routes may seek alternative carriers or consolidation opportunities to distribute costs across larger shipments. The effective date of March 28 provides limited lead time for shippers to adjust planning, though Maersk likely provided advance notice to major customers. Industry observers will monitor whether competitors adopt similar surcharges, potentially signaling broader cost pressures across the India-origin shipping market. This development underscores the ongoing complexity of container shipping cost structures, where terminal fees, fuel contingencies, and service-level charges compound base freight rates. For supply chain managers dependent on India routes, the change adds another variable requiring real-time rate monitoring and carrier negotiations.