Mediterranean Shipping Company has increased its emergency surcharge to US$100 per TEU as drought-induced restrictions tighten, potentially extending transit delays on key North American routes.
Mediterranean Shipping Company has lifted its Emergency Panama Canal surcharge to US$100 per twenty-foot equivalent unit for cargo moving through the waterway from 1 October 2026, as drought-driven restrictions continue to squeeze capacity on one of the world’s most important maritime shortcuts.
According to the company’s customer advisory, the fee will apply to shipments from the West Mediterranean, Adriatic, Israel, North Europe and the Scan Baltic region bound for the United States, Canada and Mexico. MSC said the charge covers dry containers, reefers and specialised equipment alike, with the same US$100 per TEU rate applied regardless of container size or commodity.
The move comes after the Panama Canal Authority tightened operating limits again this year. S&P Global reported in July that the authority temporarily suspended auction processes for close-in transit slots and cut daily crossings from 36 to 34 from 25 July, citing weather conditions and the risk of further restrictions later in 2026. Other industry reports said MSC had already imposed a Panama Canal surcharge in August, underlining how quickly carriers have been adjusting pricing as conditions worsen.
The canal, which handles about 6 per cent of global maritime trade, has been under pressure from low water levels in Gatun Lake, the reservoir that feeds the lock system. In practice, that has meant draft limits, fewer passage slots and longer transit times for vessels moving between Europe and North America. MSC said the latest surcharge will remain in place until further notice, leaving open the prospect of more changes if restrictions deepen.
Source Reference Map
Inspired by headline at: [1]
Sources by paragraph:
– Paragraph 1: [2], [3]
– Paragraph 2: [2]
– Paragraph 3: [4], [5], [6], [7]
– Paragraph 4: [1], [4]
Source: Noah Wire Services
Verification / Sources
- https://www.foodbusinessmea.com/msc-revises-panama-canal-surcharge-to-us100-per-teu-from-october-2026/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.msc.com/es/newsroom/customer-advisories/2026/september/pce-update-trade-from-wmed-adriatic-israel-nwc-and-scan-baltic-to-usa-canada-and-mexico – MSC has announced an Emergency Panama Canal Surcharge (PCE) of US$100 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) for all cargo types transiting the Panama Canal, effective 1 October 2026. This surcharge applies to shipments from the West Mediterranean, Adriatic, Israel, North Europe, and the Scan Baltic region to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The fee covers all cargo types, including dry containers, reefers, and specialized equipment, with the uniform US$100 per TEU charge applying regardless of container size or commodity. (msc.com)
- https://www.freshplaza.com/africa/article/9869308/msc-raises-panama-canal-surcharge-to-us-100-per-teu/ – Due to ongoing drought restrictions at the Panama Canal, MSC will revise the Emergency Panama Canal Surcharge (PCE) applicable to all cargo routed via the Panama Canal on the trades WMED, Adriatic, Israel, NWC, and Scan Baltic to the USA, Canada, and Mexico. As of 1 October 2026 until further notice, the PCE will be charged at US$100 per TEU for all cargo types. (freshplaza.com)
- https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/07/panama-canal-imposes-crossing-restrictions – The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has temporarily suspended auction processes for close-in transit slots and reduced the number of daily crossings from 36 to 34, effective 25 July 2026. These measures are in response to forecasts of a strong El Niño weather pattern, which is expected to lead to further draft and transit restrictions during the second half of 2026. (spglobal.com)
- https://www.freight-academy.com/en/news/panama-canal-draft-limits-el-nino-msc-surcharge-20260726075336 – The Panama Canal has implemented initial draft restrictions ahead of a strong El Niño, with further cuts scheduled for August 2026. In response, MSC has imposed a Panama Canal Surcharge of US$100 per TEU on selected routes from 19 August 2026. This surcharge applies to all cargo types and will remain in effect until further notice. (freight-academy.com)
- https://container-news.com/cma-cgm-and-msc-update-panama-canal-surcharges-on-us-trades/ – MSC has revised its Panama Canal Surcharge for shipments to the US East Coast and US Gulf Coast. Effective 12 September 2026, based on the gate-in date, MSC will apply the following charges: US$149 for a 20-foot container, US$297 for a 40-foot container, and US$376 for a 45-foot container. The rates apply to all cargo types and will remain in place until further notice. (container-news.com)
- https://www.sdilogistics-shippings.com/news/msc-officially-announces-an-additional-100-per-container-p-85601876.html – MSC will implement a Panama Canal Surcharge (PCS) effective 19 August 2026, applicable to all containerized cargo shipments originating from Southeast Asia, China, South Korea, and Japan and destined for ports along the US East Coast and US Gulf Coast. The surcharge is set at US$100 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) and will remain in effect until further notice. (sdilogistics-shippings.com)
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 revision of the Emergency Panama Canal Surcharge (PCE) to US$100 per TEU, effective 1 October 2026. This information aligns with MSC’s official announcement dated 2 September 2026. (msc.com) The article was published on 4 September 2026, indicating timely reporting. However, the source is Food Business Middle East & Africa, a niche publication, which may limit its reach and influence.
Quotes check
Score: 7
Notes: The article includes direct quotes from MSC’s customer advisory. These quotes are consistent with MSC’s official announcement. (msc.com) However, the article does not provide direct links to the original MSC announcement, making independent verification of the quotes challenging. The absence of direct links raises concerns about the ease of verifying the quotes.
Source reliability
Score: 6
Notes: Food Business Middle East & Africa is a niche publication focusing on the food and beverage industry. While it may have expertise in this sector, its broader journalistic credibility and reach are limited. The article relies on MSC’s official announcement, which is a primary source. However, the lack of direct links to the original MSC announcement in the article raises concerns about the ease of verifying the information.
Plausibility check
Score: 9
Notes: The article’s claims about MSC’s surcharge revision are plausible and consistent with known industry practices. The surcharge is a response to ongoing drought restrictions at the Panama Canal, which have been reported by multiple sources. (msc.com) The article provides specific details about the surcharge, including the effective date and applicable regions, which are consistent with MSC’s official announcement. However, the article does not provide direct links to the original MSC announcement, making independent verification of the information challenging.