Two leading shipping companies have announced the introduction of a new Panama Canal surcharge for the Asia-US East Coast trade lane. The surcharge is in response to changes implemented by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), which aims to "optimize transit operations" through a revised booking system.

Starting January 1, the ACP will modify its transit booking system, including adjustments to tariff structures, fee amounts, and the introduction of new rates. According to the ACP, these changes are designed to "enhance service levels, reflect the value of the booking service, improve supply-demand management, and optimize transit operations."

Recently, MSC informed customers that, "to address the cost increases associated with these changes and maintain its commitment to providing reliable and efficient services," it will implement a Panama Canal surcharge starting January 1. The Swiss-based shipping giant will charge $40 per TEU for all cargo moving between Asia and the US East Coast or Gulf Coast.

Similarly, last week, French shipping giant CMA CGM announced it would introduce a "Panama Canal transit surcharge" from January 1 to "recover these additional costs" and "continue offering the most reliable services via the Panama Canal." CMA CGM will also charge $40 per TEU for all cargo traveling from Asia to the US East Coast and Gulf Coast.

CMA CGM’s Ocean Alliance partners—COSCO, OOCL, and Evergreen—are also likely to introduce similar surcharges. The affected services include Chesapeake Bay Express (CBX), Gulf Mexico Express (GMXP), Manhattan Bridge (MANB), Pacific Express 3 (PEX3), South Atlantic Express (SAX), Taiwan Straits (TWS), and Vespucci. These services are part of the Ocean Alliance's offerings—AWE9, AWE7, AWE8, AWE6, AWE2, AWE5, and AWE4. According to the eeSea liner database, AWE9 and AWE6 are operated solely by CMA CGM vessels, AWE7 is operated by COSCO, AWE8 by COSCO and CMA CGM, AWE2 by COSCO and OOCL, AWE5 by Evergreen, and AWE4 by Evergreen and CMA CGM.

It is estimated that a vessel averaging 12,500 TEUs could recover approximately $500,000 in additional transport fees, while a 9,000-TEU vessel could recover around $360,000.

Additionally, a new ACP measure aims to deter late cancellations and no-shows. If a vessel does not arrive within seven days of its booking date, a hefty penalty equivalent to 250% of the booking fee will apply.

However, the ACP has introduced "increased flexibility for swapping requests," allowing operators to submit swap requests free of charge up to 14 days before their scheduled arrival. Requests made within 14 days of arrival will incur a fee equal to 1% of the booking charge. The ACP has also introduced a "last-minute transit booking fee," offering an option for vessels unable to secure a standard booking slot to arrive at the canal without a reservation. Additionally, a "vessel scheduling fee" will be imposed to accommodate vessels that require transit coordination outside the regular booking system.

The ACP emphasized that these changes will "provide greater flexibility and convenience for customers while ensuring efficient use of canal resources."