Global shipping leader A.P. Moller – Maersk is taking immediate action as the escalating conflict in the Middle East strains marine fuel supply chains. To secure enough bunker fuel for its massive fleet, the carrier announced a temporary Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS) to help navigate the crisis.
In a March 10 operational update, Maersk explained that security threats around the Strait of Hormuz are drastically shrinking fuel availability. The strait normally processes about a fifth of the world’s fuel traffic. Currently, many regional refineries are shutting down completely or running at limited capacity, which severely restricts export capabilities.
These local bottlenecks are causing obvious ripple effects throughout the global bunkering system. To adapt and stabilize its network, Maersk is proactively shifting its fuel reserves around the world. The shipping company is also tapping into alternative suppliers outside the Middle East to offset the regional shortages and keep its vessels moving.
To manage the surging costs and logistical hurdles of this pivot, Maersk plans to launch the EBS on March 25, 2026, pending regulatory clearance. This new fee applies worldwide to handle price volatility that falls outside the company’s standard Fossil Fuel Fee.
The surcharge structure breaks down as follows for long-haul headhaul trades:
- $200 per standard 20-foot container
- $400 per standard 40-foot container
- $600 per 40-foot refrigerated (reefer) container
Shorter intra-regional shipments and backhaul routes will see slightly lower rates. Maersk plans to review the surcharge every two weeks, adjusting the fee up or down based on current market rates and fuel accessibility.
The company emphasizes that these steps are necessary to protect service reliability during an unstable time for global energy markets. By redistributing fuel and finding new suppliers, Maersk hopes to maintain its shipping schedules despite the tightening supply.
The broader impact of the crisis continues to squeeze maritime logistics far beyond energy markets. According to recent reports from The Wall Street Journal, as of March 11, 2026, approximately 10 Maersk container ships are effectively trapped in the Persian Gulf. These vessels are currently sheltering in place at safe anchorages and regional ports while they wait for security conditions to improve.