Low water level in Amazon river - Draft restriction

Maersk wish to advise our customer that records in the rules of the National Water Agency (ANA) indicate a reduction in the operational draft of ships that transit through the Amazon River at the main crossing points to the port of Manaus. This decrease in the depth of the bed of the river leads to a reduction in the cargo capacity of ships, with consequent economic and financial imbalance to the regular service of waterborne transport to/from Manaus.

To recover this balance and maintain regularity, Maersk will be introducing a Low Water Surcharge (LWC) effective 15th October 2022. This Low Water Surcharge will be appliable to all containers from or into Port Manaus Brazil.

The tariff levels are as follows

* PCD = Price Calculation Date. For non-FMC, PCD refers to the scheduled departure date of the first water leg at the time of booking confirmation for non-spot bookings. For FMC, PCD is last container gate-in date for non-spot bookings.

The LWC is an exceptional and temporary charge applicable due to the extraordinary conditions of navigation that will be periodically reviewed and adjusted, if necessary, by virtue of the current situation. It will be removed once the sailing conditions return to normal.

We regret having to implement this fee, and recognize the challenge it brings on you, but hope for your understanding. We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing working with you in the future.

For more information, please contact the Maersk office in your area.