Ocean carriers are raising surcharges as the Panama Canal continues to take precautionary measures in case of a drought.
The Panama Canal has been implementing water-saving measures to prepare for potential weather impacts from the looming El Niño climate pattern expected in the second half of 2026. A drought hit the canal in 2023 and 2024 leading to longer transit times and higher transit fees.
In its latest draft adjustment, the major waterway announced that the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 48 feet, effective Aug. 26. The next draft is set at 47.5 feet, effective Sept. 3.
The Panama Canal had already implemented two separate draft measures earlier this summer.
“These reductions represent the fourth and fifth draft adjustments announced by the Panama Canal Authority. The measures are the result of operational planning informed by lessons learned during the 2023–2024 period, as well as hydrological analyses and historical data that support the canal’s operational decision-making process,” according to a press release from the Panama Canal.
Due to the ongoing draft restriction, ocean carriers have recently updated their previous Panama Canal surcharges. Keep reading for a rundown on the latest fees.
Mediterranean Shipping Company
MSC raised its Panama Canal Surcharge from $100 per TEU to $149 per TEU, effective Sept. 12, according to an Aug. 12 customer advisory. Additional charges include $297 per forty-foot equivalent unit and $376 per 45-foot container, per the notice.
The surcharge applies to all cargo types for shipments between Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan to the U.S. East Coast and U.S. Gulf Coast.
CMA CGM
The France-based carrier updated its Panama Canal Adjustment Factor to be $500 per TEU for all cargo types, effective Sept. 10, according to a notice from CMA CGM.
The fee applies to cargo from the Far East to the U.S. East and Gulf Coast via the Panama Canal.
Previously, the carrier’s fees were $100 per TEU for cargo shipping from Asia to East Coast Central America, North Coast South America, Caribbean and Manaus.
Hapag-Lloyd
Last month, the ocean carrier announced a surcharge from the Far East to North America at $130 per TEU, per a customer notice. The Far East includes China, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand and more. The fee went into effect on Aug. 15 and applies to all cargo types.
At the time, the carrier cited “latest developments concerning draft limitations in the Panama Canal,” as the reason for implementing the surcharge.
Ocean Network Express
ONE updated its Panama Canal Transit Fee to $150 per TEU, effective Aug. 10, per a July 30 customer notice.
The fee applies to the carrier’s Transpacific Eastbound trade with routing through the Panama Canal.
