MSC has announced new Freight All Kinds (FAK) tariffs for containers departing India and Pakistan, amid ongoing fluctuations in trade pricing, with tariffs set to take effect in February 2026 and covering key European ports.
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has set new Freight All Kinds (FAK) tariffs for containers departing India and Pakistan for Europe, due to take effect on 9 February 2026 and valid until further notice but no later than 28 February 2026. According to the company advisory, the measures cover sailings to Antwerp and Valencia and are denominated in US dollars. [2]
The schedule fixes identical 20ft and 40ft dry-container rates to Antwerp at USD 1,550 from Nhava Sheva, USD 1,750 from Ennore, USD 1,850 from Kolkata, and USD 1,550 from Port Qasim. For Valencia, the FAK levels are set at USD 1,650 from Nhava Sheva, USD 1,850 from Ennore, USD 1,950 from Kolkata, and USD 1,650 from Port Qasim. These figures were published by MSC in its customer advisory. [2]
MSC says the quoted FAK amounts bundle base ocean freight with several built-in levies, specifically the Contingency Adjustment Charge, a Piracy Risk Surcharge and Emission Control Areas-related costs, while noting that additional charges will still apply. The carrier’s advisory emphasised that the FAK does not absorb all ancillary fees. [2]
Among the extra recoverable items MSC lists are a Bunker Recovery Charge of USD 159 per TEU for dry cargo, an Emissions Trading System levy of USD 85 per TEU and a FuelEU surcharge of USD 16 per TEU. Origin terminal handling fees will be applied at the Indian and Pakistani load ports, and destination handling, carrier security and ISPS-type charges may be levied at discharge. [2]
The latest announcement follows a series of rate adjustments over 2025 and into early 2026 that illustrate rapid movements in the trade’s pricing. MSC published successive monthly price notices throughout 2025, including December and earlier months, with FAK levels that ranged substantially from the low thousands of dollars to peaks above USD 2,000 per box in March 2025, underscoring volatility on the India/Pakistan–Europe corridor. According to MSC’s archived advisories, those past notices set different effective windows and tariff points for the same ports. [3],[4],[5],[6]
MSC also reiterated that the published FAK does not cover IMO-classified cargo or high-value consignments, which are excluded from the standard commodity bands and will attract separate handling and tariff treatment. Shippers are therefore advised to check the carrier’s full advisory and their booking confirmations for any voyage-specific or cargo-specific surcharges. [2]
Source Reference Map
Inspired by headline at: [1]
Sources by paragraph:
– Paragraph 1: [2]
– Paragraph 2: [2]
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– Paragraph 5: [3], [4], [5], [6]
– Paragraph 6: [2]
Source: Noah Wire Services
Verification / Sources
- https://container-news.com/msc-announces-new-eu-freight-rates-from-india-and-pakistan/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.msc.com/en/newsroom/customer-advisories/2026/january/price-announcement-india-pakistan-to-europe – MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced new freight rates for cargo moving from India and Pakistan to Europe, effective from 9 February 2026 until further notice, but not beyond 28 February 2026. The revised Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates apply to shipments destined for Antwerp and Valencia and are quoted in US dollars. For shipments to Antwerp, the rates are set at USD 1,550 per 20-foot and 40-foot dry container from Nhava Sheva, USD 1,750 from Ennore, USD 1,850 from Kolkata, and USD 1,550 from Port Qasim. For cargo moving to Valencia, rates are USD 1,650 per 20-foot and 40-foot dry container from Nhava Sheva, USD 1,850 from Ennore, USD 1,950 from Kolkata, and USD 1,650 from Port Qasim. MSC stated that the above rates include the base ocean freight, Contingency Adjustment Charge (CAC), Piracy Risk Surcharge (PRS) and Emission Control Areas (ECA). However, the rates remain subject to additional applicable charges. These include a Bunker Recovery Charge of USD 159 per TEU for dry cargo, an Emissions Trading System (ETS) charge of USD 85 per TEU, and a FuelEU surcharge of USD 16 per TEU. Origin terminal handling charges will apply at loading ports, with specific tariffs set for Nhava Sheva, Ennore, Kolkata and Port Qasim. Destination terminal handling charges apply at Antwerp and Valencia, alongside carrier security fees, ISPS charges and port security release fees, depending on the port of loading and discharge. MSC noted that the FAK rates exclude all IMO-category cargo and high-value commodities.
- https://www.msc.com/es/newsroom/customer-advisories/2025/december/price-announcement-india-pakistan-to-europe – MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced new freight rates for cargo moving from India and Pakistan to Europe, effective from 1 January 2026 until further notice, but not beyond 31 January 2026. The revised Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates apply to shipments destined for Antwerp and Valencia and are quoted in US dollars. For shipments to Antwerp, the rates are set at USD 1,500 per 20-foot and 40-foot dry container from Nhava Sheva, USD 1,700 from Ennore, USD 1,800 from Kolkata, and USD 1,500 from Port Qasim. For cargo moving to Valencia, rates are USD 1,600 per 20-foot and 40-foot dry container from Nhava Sheva, USD 1,800 from Ennore, USD 1,900 from Kolkata, and USD 1,600 from Port Qasim. MSC stated that the above rates include the base ocean freight, Contingency Adjustment Charge (CAC), Piracy Risk Surcharge (PRS) and Emission Control Areas (ECA). However, the rates remain subject to additional applicable charges. These include a Bunker Recovery Charge of USD 159 per TEU for dry cargo, an Emissions Trading System (ETS) charge of USD 85 per TEU, and a FuelEU surcharge of USD 16 per TEU. Origin terminal handling charges will apply at loading ports, with specific tariffs set for Nhava Sheva, Ennore, Kolkata and Port Qasim. Destination terminal handling charges apply at Antwerp and Valencia, alongside carrier security fees, ISPS charges and port security release fees, depending on the port of loading and discharge. MSC noted that the FAK rates exclude all IMO-category cargo and high-value commodities.
- https://www.msc.com/en/newsroom/customer-advisories/2025/february/eu-price-announcement-trade-from-india-and-pakistan-to-europe – MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced new freight rates for cargo moving from India and Pakistan to Europe, effective from 1 March 2025 until further notice, but not beyond 31 March 2025. The revised Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates apply to shipments destined for Antwerp and Valencia and are quoted in US dollars. For shipments to Antwerp, the rates are set at USD 2,200 per 20-foot and 40-foot dry container from Nhava Sheva, USD 2,300 from Ennore, USD 2,400 from Kolkata, and USD 2,200 from Port Qasim. For cargo moving to Valencia, rates are USD 2,200 per 20-foot and 40-foot dry container from Nhava Sheva, USD 2,300 from Ennore, USD 2,400 from Kolkata, and USD 2,200 from Port Qasim. MSC stated that the above rates include the base ocean freight, Contingency Adjustment Charge (CAC), Piracy Risk Surcharge (PRS) and Emission Control Areas (ECA). However, the rates remain subject to additional applicable charges. These include a Bunker Recovery Charge of USD 159 per TEU for dry cargo, an Emissions Trading System (ETS) charge of USD 85 per TEU, and a FuelEU surcharge of USD 16 per TEU. Origin terminal handling charges will apply at loading ports, with specific tariffs set for Nhava Sheva, Ennore, Kolkata and Port Qasim. Destination terminal handling charges apply at Antwerp and Valencia, alongside carrier security fees, ISPS charges and port security release fees, depending on the port of loading and discharge. MSC noted that the FAK rates exclude all IMO-category cargo and high-value commodities.
- https://www.msc.com/en/newsroom/customer-advisories/2025/november/price-announcement-india-pakistan-to-europe – MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced new freight rates for cargo moving from India and Pakistan to Europe, effective from 1 December 2025 until further notice, but not beyond 31 December 2025. The revised Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates apply to shipments destined for Antwerp and Valencia and are quoted in US dollars. For shipments to Antwerp, the rates are set at USD 1,200 per 20-foot and 40-foot dry container from Nhava Sheva, USD 1,400 from Ennore, USD 1,500 from Kolkata, and USD 1,200 from Port Qasim. For cargo moving to Valencia, rates are USD 1,300 per 20-foot and 40-foot dry container from Nhava Sheva, USD 1,500 from Ennore, USD 1,600 from Kolkata, and USD 1,300 from Port Qasim. MSC stated that the above rates include the base ocean freight, Contingency Adjustment Charge (CAC), Piracy Risk Surcharge (PRS) and Emission Control Areas (ECA). However, the rates remain subject to additional applicable charges. These include a Bunker Recovery Charge of USD 159 per TEU for dry cargo, an Emissions Trading System (ETS) charge of USD 85 per TEU, and a FuelEU surcharge of USD 16 per TEU. Origin terminal handling charges will apply at loading ports, with specific tariffs set for Nhava Sheva, Ennore, Kolkata and Port Qasim. Destination terminal handling charges apply at Antwerp and Valencia, alongside carrier security fees, ISPS charges and port security release fees, depending on the port of loading and discharge. MSC noted that the FAK rates exclude all IMO-category cargo and high-value commodities.
- https://www.msc.com/en/newsroom/customer-advisories/2025/may/price-announcement-india-pakistan-to-europe – MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced new freight rates for cargo moving from India and Pakistan to Europe, effective from 15 June 2025 until further notice, but not beyond 30 June 2025. The revised Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates apply to shipments destined for Antwerp and Valencia and are quoted in US dollars. For shipments to Antwerp, the rates are set at USD 1,700 per 20-foot and 40-foot dry container from Nhava Sheva, USD 1,800 from Ennore, USD 1,900 from Kolkata, and USD 1,700 from Port Qasim. For cargo moving to Valencia, rates are USD 1,700 per 20-foot and 40-foot dry container from Nhava Sheva, USD 1,800 from Ennore, USD 1,900 from Kolkata, and USD 1,700 from Port Qasim. MSC stated that the above rates include the base ocean freight, Contingency Adjustment Charge (CAC), Piracy Risk Surcharge (PRS) and Emission Control Areas (ECA). However, the rates remain subject to additional applicable charges. These include a Bunker Recovery Charge of USD 159 per TEU for dry cargo, an Emissions Trading System (ETS) charge of USD 85 per TEU, and a FuelEU surcharge of USD 16 per TEU. Origin terminal handling charges will apply at loading ports, with specific tariffs set for Nhava Sheva, Ennore, Kolkata and Port Qasim. Destination terminal handling charges apply at Antwerp and Valencia, alongside carrier security fees, ISPS charges and port security release fees, depending on the port of loading and discharge. MSC noted that the FAK rates exclude all IMO-category cargo and high-value commodities.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score: 8
Notes: The article reports on MSC’s announcement of new freight rates effective from 9 February 2026, with validity until 28 February 2026. (msc.com) The earliest known publication date of similar content is 18 December 2025, when MSC announced rates effective from 1 January 2026 until 31 January 2026. (msc.com) The narrative appears to be original and not recycled from previous news.
Quotes check
Score: 10
Notes: The article does not contain any direct quotes, relying instead on paraphrased information from MSC’s official announcement. This approach ensures the content is original and not reused from other sources.
Source reliability
Score: 9
Notes: The primary source is MSC’s official customer advisory, which is a direct communication from the company. (msc.com) The secondary source is Container News, a trade publication that has reported on similar topics. (container-news.com) Both sources are reputable within the shipping industry, though Container News is a niche publication with a limited audience.
Plausability check
Score: 9
Notes: The reported rates and charges align with industry standards and previous announcements from MSC. The article provides specific figures for various ports and surcharges, which are consistent with MSC’s historical pricing patterns. (msc.com) The content is detailed and coherent, with no apparent inconsistencies or implausible claims.
Overall assessment
Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary: The article provides a detailed and accurate summary of MSC’s new freight rates from India and Pakistan to Europe, with information corroborated by MSC’s official advisory and a reputable industry publication. The content is original, free from paywall restrictions, and presented objectively, with no significant concerns identified.