In brief
According to BTA, CMA CGM announced a new war‑risk surcharge effective December 1, 2026, targeting all 20‑ and 40‑foot containers routed through the Black Sea. The fee will also apply to shipments to the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America. The move follows the area’s inclusion on the Joint War Committee’s war‑risk list following drone attacks in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone.
BTA reported on Monday that French shipping line CMA CGM has announced a new war‑risk surcharge for container voyages that trace their routes through the Black Sea. The company said the additional fee would be applied as soon as the month starts, costing USD 35 for each 20‑foot (TEU) unit and USD 70 for each 40‑foot unit.
The surcharge applies immediately to all of CMA CGM’s services to the ports of Constanta, Poti, Varna and Burgas, as well as other Black Sea locations served by the line. Shipments currently entrusted to the company for these destinations will incur the new fee on top of regular freight charges.
For cargo destined for the United States, Australia, New Zealand and several Latin American countries, the additional cost will take effect from 1 December 2026. CMA CGM noted that this expansion reflects the need to cover the rising operational expenses that affect the longer routes to these markets from Black Sea origins.
BTA explained that the decision follows the United Nations Joint War Committee’s inclusion of the Black Sea area on its list of war‑risk zones, a move prompted by a recent deterioration in the region’s security situation. The designation triggers a higher insurance premium and operational costs for all maritime carriers that transit the area.
In late September, BTA reported that merchant vessels had come under drone attacks in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea on several occasions since October 6. The incidents have forced shipping companies to reassess their routing plans and insurance coverage, contributing to the surge in freight price proposals.
Adding a war‑risk surcharge is a way for CMA CGM to balance the increased risks faced by its crews and equipment. The company said it will continue to monitor the security environment and adjust rates as needed. Shippers may look to alternative passages such as the northern Eurasian route, which could lengthen voyages but avoid the premium.
Analysts say the new fee could ripple through global trade flows. Prices for cargo from Black Sea ports could rise, and exporters who rely on these links may face higher logistics costs. Maritime economists suggest that the surcharge will prompt a temporary swell in freight rates, with possible adjustments as carriers find ways to insulate themselves from geopolitical volatility.
In a sector already under pressure to reduce emissions, the shift to longer detours may add to the environmental footprint of trans‑ocean shipments. Some industry voices have highlighted that while the surcharge protects crews and vessels, it also underscores the urgency for safer shipping corridors that do not depend on costly avoidable routes.
Overall, CMA CGM’s announcement marks a tangible response to the evolving security risks in the Black Sea. By rescheduling its price structure, the company seeks to ensure the safety of its vessels while continuing to provide a vital link between European and global supply chains amid heightened tensions.
