Maersk Fuel Surcharge Update – Spain (March 12 – March 18, 2026)
Maersk is adjusting fuel surcharges for transport services within Spain, responding to escalating costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global fuel supplies. The changes, effective March 12th, reflect a shift to weekly reviews of the surcharge, abandoning the previous monthly assessment, and introduce a temporary structure without trigger thresholds. This move underscores the increasing financial pressures on the shipping industry as geopolitical instability disrupts key energy corridors.
Spain Transport: Recent Surcharge Structure
The Danish shipping giant, A.P. Moller – Maersk, announced the adjustments in a notice to customers, citing disruptions to refined fuel supplies caused by the conflict surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The strait, handling roughly 20% of global fuel movements, is experiencing significant access limitations due to the volatile security situation, forcing Maersk to redistribute fuel globally and source alternative supplies. GCaptain reported on the situation earlier this week, detailing the impact on marine fuel availability.
Specifically, for shipments within Spain, the following surcharges will be applied from March 12th through March 18th, 2026:
- Truck: 9%
- Rail Combined: 2.25%
These surcharges will be identified on invoices as “EFS” (Export Fuel Surcharge) and “IFS” (Import Fuel Surcharge). Maersk emphasized that the surcharge will remain in effect for as long as necessary to cover the increased costs, and further adjustments may be implemented as circumstances evolve. The company will continue to review the situation on a country-by-country basis.
Broader Middle East Disruptions
The fuel surcharge adjustment is part of a wider series of operational changes Maersk is implementing in response to the Middle East crisis. Supply Chain Brain reported earlier this week that Maersk has suspended its FM1 Service (Far East to Middle East) and ME11 Service (Middle East to Europe) as precautionary measures to protect staff amid the escalating conflict. The company has also halted local shuttle services in the Gulf region and dropped Dubai’s Jebel Ali port – normally the world’s busiest container port outside of Asia – from its ME1 service.
These service suspensions, coupled with the fuel surcharges, highlight the significant disruption to global supply chains. Shipping signals indicate a near standstill in transport through the Strait of Hormuz, with only two commercial transits recorded in the past 24 hours as of March 6th, according to the Joint Maritime Information Center. This slowdown is particularly damaging to regional business hubs like Dubai, which rely heavily on trade, tourism, and transport.
Impact on Cargo Bookings and Restrictions
Beyond the fuel surcharge, Maersk has implemented specific restrictions on cargo bookings to and from several countries in the region. As of March 6th, all bookings to and from the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia have been suspended. This suspension applies to all cargo types – reefer, dangerous goods (DG), and general cargo – originating from, destined for, or transhipping through these countries, with a limited exception for Salalah transhipment to non-upper Gulf countries.
The suspension of DG cargo to Israel is also subject to specific UN number restrictions. Maersk’s Middle East Operational Update 6 provides detailed information on these restrictions, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the situation and the potential for further changes.
Pricing Calculation Details
Maersk has also clarified its pricing calculation date (PCD) methodology. For non-FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) shipments, the PCD is the Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) of the first vessel in the latest booking confirmation. For FMC shipments, the PCD is the date Maersk or its authorized agent takes possession of the last container listed on the transport document. FMC surcharges will be applicable from April 12th, 2026. For import shipments, the surcharge price calculation refers to the import shipment creation date.
It’s important to note that FMC-regulated trades involve shipments exiting or entering a port in the United States, Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or Puerto Rico.
Looking Ahead: Continued Volatility and Monitoring
The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, and Maersk is committed to closely monitoring developments and adapting its operations accordingly. The company will continue to review the situation on a country-by-country basis, making necessary changes to surcharges and service offerings as circumstances dictate. Customers are advised to stay informed through regular updates from Maersk and to contact their local Maersk professional for any specific questions or concerns. The ongoing conflict presents a significant challenge to global supply chains, and businesses should anticipate continued disruptions and potential cost increases in the coming weeks and months.