CMA CGM applies new Cameroon congestion surcharge

CMA CGM is imposing a US$900 per teu congestion surcharge from 31 August on North American containers destined for the port of Douala, Cameroon, as severe disruptions continue.

The line said: “Vessel delays due to the current port congestion in Douala are still causing severe disruptions of service and highly increasing operational costs.” CMA CGM said it would continue to ensure service to Douala, but told customers the Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) from the USA and Canada would rise to US$900 per teu from 31 August. Cargo from North America to Douala is currently charged a basic PCS of $100 per teu, having escaped an emergency port congestion surcharge (EPCS) applied to shipments from most origin points since 1 August.

Last month, the line said congestion had worsened at Douala, with vessel delays reaching 28 days. The EPCS was in addition to the current port congestion surcharges (PCS) in Douala and Port Gentil, Gabon, implemented in June.

CMA CGM had announced earlier last month that it was applying a €200 per teu PCS from Europe, Mediterranean and Red Sea to Cameroon from 1 August, but worsening disruptions to vessel schedules led the French carrier to implement this additional EPCS, ranging from €200 per teu from Europe, Mediterranean and Red Sea, to $300 per teu from Asia, the Middle East, Gulf and India.