Hapag-Lloyd Announces New Surcharge for Conakry-Bound Cargo
Shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has announced the implementation of a new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for all cargo destined for Conakry, Guinea (GN). This surcharge will affect shipments originating from a wide range of global regions, with varying effective dates.
For cargo originating from Africa, Asia and Oceania, Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian Subcontinent, the PSS will take effect on October 27, 2025. Shipments from North and Latin America will see the surcharge applied from November 16, 2025.
Surcharge Details and Affected Regions
The PSS will be applied per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) and will vary depending on the origin region. Shippers from Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian Subcontinent will incur a surcharge of USD 1,000 (EUR 825) per TEU. For cargo originating from Asia and Oceania, the surcharge will be USD 1,400 per TEU. This surcharge is applicable to all equipment types.
The extensive list of regions within 'the Americas' affected by this PSS includes, but is not limited to:
- USA, Canada, Mexico
- Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay
- Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia, Martinique, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, El Salvador, Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela, British Virgin Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
Understanding Peak Season Surcharges
Peak Season Surcharges are a common practice in the shipping industry. They are additional fees imposed by carriers during periods of high demand for cargo transportation. These surcharges are typically implemented to manage the increased volume of shipments, cover the costs of additional resources, and account for higher transportation expenses that arise due to heightened demand. PSS helps carriers offset rising operational and fuel costs, balance supply and demand during overbooked sailings, and maintain service levels during a surge in booking volumes.
This particular PSS replaces any previously applicable surcharges for shipments to Conakry, Guinea. Shippers are advised to factor these additional costs into their logistics planning for the upcoming period.
5 Comments
Africa
It's true that PSS is common in the industry to offset costs. However, the timing and magnitude of this particular charge could exacerbate inflation for goods reaching Conakry.
Bermudez
The explanation for PSS makes sense from a carrier's perspective for operational efficiency. But for regions already facing economic challenges, these added costs can be a real burden on local economies.
Habibi
On one hand, carriers need to adapt to market dynamics and rising fuel costs. On the other, the sheer number of regions affected and the significant fees feel like a heavy blow to global trade networks.
Bella Ciao
While I understand the need for carriers to manage peak demand, these surcharges significantly impact smaller importers. It adds an unpredictable layer to their cost structures.
Africa
Enough with these surcharges! It's just a hidden fee for existing services.