Far East-Europe Shipping Costs Rise with Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd, a leading global container shipping company, has announced a significant increase in its ocean tariff rates for shipments between the Far East and Europe. This adjustment will take effect from June 1, 2025, and impacts Freight of All Kinds (FAK) transported in 20-foot and 40-foot dry and refrigerated containers, including high cube equipment.

New Rate Structure

The updated tariffs show a considerable rise across key European regions. For dry containers, shipments to North Europe will now be charged USD 1,900 for a 20-foot container and USD 3,200 for a 40-foot container, with the 40-foot high cube containers priced at USD 3,300. Rates to the West Mediterranean stand at USD 3,100 for 20-foot and USD 4,300 for 40-foot containers, while the Adriatic region sees rates of USD 3,200 and USD 4,400 respectively. Cargo destined for the East Mediterranean, Black Sea (including Bulgaria and Romania), Türkiye, and Egypt will face the highest charges, with USD 3,300 for 20-foot containers and USD 4,500 for 40-foot containers.

Refrigerated containers also carry a premium, with North Europe-bound shipments priced at USD 2,000 for 20-foot and USD 3,300 for 40-foot containers. The West Mediterranean sees rates of USD 3,200 and USD 4,400, while the East Mediterranean, Black Sea, Türkiye, and Egypt regions are charged USD 3,400 for 20-foot and USD 4,600 for 40-foot reefers.

These rates include Marine Fuel Recovery (MFR) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS), and are subject to Hapag-Lloyd’s tariff conditions and applicable surcharges. Local and contingency charges may also apply depending on specific circumstances.

Why the Increase?

The rate hike reflects ongoing challenges in the shipping industry, including rising fuel costs, port congestion, and supply chain disruptions. These factors have increased operational expenses for carriers, prompting Hapag-Lloyd to adjust its pricing to maintain service reliability and cover escalating costs. The inclusion of surcharges like MFR and PSS further reflects the carrier’s efforts to offset volatile fuel prices and seasonal demand spikes.

Impact on Shippers

For exporters and importers trading between the Far East and Europe, these increased rates mean higher freight costs. The surge is particularly notable for refrigerated cargo, which is essential for perishable goods. Businesses should review their logistics budgets and consider engaging with their freight forwarders or carriers to understand how the new tariffs affect their shipments. Exploring options such as shipment consolidation or alternative routing might help mitigate some of the cost impacts.