Maersk removes heavy-load surcharge on northwest India–Europe contract shipments

Maersk has withdrawn its Heavy Load Surcharge (HWS) for eligible 20-foot dry containers moving from northwest India to North Europe and the Mediterranean, effective from 7 November 2026. The change covers contract bookings through Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Pipavav and Hazira, removing the surcharge for containers with a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) exceeding 22 tonnes.

The announcement, issued on 6 November, sets the applicable HWS rate at zero. It gives exporters using the specified gateways a reduction in this component of their shipping charges, while other applicable freight-related charges continue.

The advisory specifies 20-foot dry containers, identified by Maersk’s equipment code 20DRY, on the following routes:

Eligibility is restricted to contract bookings. Local charges, contingency charges and other applicable surcharges remain payable. The withdrawal therefore changes a specific tariff component rather than establishing a new all-inclusive freight rate.

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