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Maersk latest to announce US East Coast labour dispute surcharge

Maersk Line has joined a growing number of container lines in announcing a surcharge for US East Coast and Gulf ports as a dockworker strike looks set for 1 October.

Marcus Hand, Editor

September 24, 2024

1 Min Read
Ane Maersk in port
Credit: Maersk

In an update on the situation between the unions represented by the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) and employers represented by the United States Maritime Exchange (USMX) Maersk said, “Due to potential labour disruptions, Maersk is implementing a local Port Disruption Surcharge for all cargo moving to and from the US East Coast and Gulf Coast terminals, effective October 21, 2024.”

The surcharge is rated at $1,500 per teu, $3,000 per 40-foot containers including hi-cubes, and $3,780 for a 45-footer.

“This charge may be imposed as of October 21, 2024, depending on the impact of the disruption to the supply chain. This surcharge is necessary to cover the higher operational costs that will be incurred due to the service disruptions, ensuring the sustainability of our services and ongoing support for your supply chain requirements,” Maersk said.

The move by the Danish line follows similar announcements by MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM.

Container lines and logistics providers are gearing up for the strike as the USMX and ILA remain at an impasse with talks on a new six-year labour contract having broken down several months ago. ILA has pledged that its 85,000 members will go on a coast wide strike from 1 October if a new agreement is not reached.

Related:Container lines roll out US East Coast surcharges as port strike looms

Cargo on vessels bound for East Coast ports and due to arrive from 1 October will likely be left stranded onboard ship until the industrial action can be resolved.

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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