Global shipping giant Maersk has announced a tariff adjustment for cargo moving to and from South Africa following Transnet Port Terminals' (TPT) implementation of a revised fuel surcharge.
The Danish carrier confirmed that it would adjust its Port Additional Export (PAE) and Port Additional Import (PAI) charges to recover the increase in operational costs stemming from rising domestic diesel prices.
According to a Maersk customer advisory issued this month, the line increased its PAE and PAI terminal dues by 50%, from R52 to R78 per container. The new pricing structure took effect on June 15 for non-regulated countries and will apply from July 15 for regulated destinations, including exports originating from Brazil and Korea.
"Transnet Port Terminals has introduced a Fuel Neutrality Charge on all containers, effective May 14, 2026. This charge will be reviewed/reassessed by TPT on a monthly basis. Consequently, Maersk will be implementing Port Additional Export (PAE)/Port Additional Import (PAI) to recover this cost," the shipping line said.
TPT increased the fuel neutrality charge to R78 per container from June 1, citing rising fuel prices. The surcharge applies at terminals that rely on diesel-powered equipment to handle container volumes.
"The fuel charge is being implemented as a transparent, cost-recovery mechanism following diesel increasing between R13.26 and R13.43 since March 2026 due to ongoing global supply chain disruptions," said TPT general manager for commercial and planning, Michelle van Buren Schele.
Van Buren Schele said the fuel neutrality charge was "short term in nature" and would only be applied during periods of extreme fuel price variation. TPT has indicated that the fuel neutrality charge will be reviewed on a monthly basis.
