New Rates Will Apply in the Second Half of August
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced new Freight All Kinds (FAK) base rates for cargo shipped from Far East ports to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Black Sea.
The tariffs apply to shipments from Far East ports, including Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.
The new rates will take effect on August 15, 2026 and remain valid until further notice, but no later than August 31, 2026. All amounts are quoted in US dollars.
MSC Publishes Rates for 20- and 40-Foot Containers
The following base FAK rates have been announced for shipments from the Far East:
- North Europe — $5,100 for a 20 DV container and $7,800 for a 40 DV/HC;
- West Mediterranean — $4,900 for a 20 DV and $6,700 for a 40 DV/HC;
- Adriatic — $4,900 for a 20 DV and $6,700 for a 40 DV/HC;
- East Mediterranean — $4,700 for a 20 DV and $6,700 for a 40 DV/HC;
- Black Sea — $4,800 for a 20 DV and $6,900 for a 40 DV/HC;
- Algeria — $6,600 for a 20 DV and $9,100 for a 40 DV/HC;
- Libya — $6,300 for a 20 DV and $8,400 for a 40 DV/HC;
- Morocco, Casablanca — $5,600 for a 20 DV and $7,700 for a 40 DV/HC;
- Tunisia — $6,400 for a 20 DV and $8,700 for a 40 DV/HC.
The highest rate in the published list is $9,100 for a 40-foot container to Algeria. The 20-foot rate on the same route is $6,600.
Among European destinations, North Europe has the highest base rate at $5,100 for a 20-foot container and $7,800 for a 40-foot container.
Fuel and Emission Charges Are Included
The base rates apply between base ports. Shipments involving out-ports may be subject to the standard TAO/TAD charges.
The announced prices include the basic ocean freight rate as well as the Global Fuel Surcharge (GFS). For August 2026, the GFS is set at $271 per TEU.
An Emission Control Area surcharge also applies.
For the Mediterranean and specified Northern European countries, including Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France, the charge is $15 per TEU.
For other North European and Baltic destinations, the charge is $52 per TEU.
Additional Carbon Charges Apply
MSC also applies charges related to carbon emission regulations.
The Carbon Limitation Surcharge (CLS) is set at $20 per TEU.
The Carbon Review Surcharge (CRS) is $81 per TEU for North Europe and $120 per TEU for Mediterranean destinations.
As a result, the final cost of a shipment may differ from the base FAK rate depending on the route, port, container type and additional services.
IMO and High-Value Cargo Are Excluded
MSC’s published FAK rates do not cover all IMO-classified commodities, including dangerous goods, or high-value cargo.
Terminal handling charges and other applicable fees may also be added to the final cost of transportation.
Carriers and shippers should therefore take these additional expenses into account when calculating the total cost of deliveries from Asia to European, Mediterranean, North African and Black Sea ports.
New Rates Cover Major Asia-Europe Trade Routes
MSC’s announcement covers a broad range of destinations that play an important role in international container trade.
In addition to major Northern European ports, the new rates cover the West and East Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black Sea and key North African markets.
For importers and exporters, the announced tariffs will be an important pricing reference when planning container shipments during the second half of August 2026.
Read also: Container Freight Rates Reach Highest Level in 18 Months
