CMA CGM Increases Manaus Low Water Surcharge to US$2,315/TEU from October 2026

Container carrier CMA CGM has announced a significant increase in its Low Water Surcharge (LWS) for shipments to and from Manaus, Brazil. Effective October 2, 2026, the surcharge will rise to US$2,315 per TEU, impacting all equipment types. This adjustment reflects the ongoing challenges posed by critically low water levels along the Amazon River system, which directly affect vessel navigability.

For vessel operators, this surcharge highlights the direct financial impact of environmental conditions on logistics chains. Reduced water depths necessitate operational adjustments, potentially including lightering operations, route diversions, or slower transit times, all of which incur additional costs. The magnitude of this increase underscores the severity of the current hydrological situation in the Amazon basin and its implications for reliable maritime transport to inland ports.

While Manaus is geographically distant from the operational areas of European, UK, Mediterranean, Turkish, Black Sea, and Middle Eastern ports, the underlying principle is relevant. Operators in these regions must remain vigilant regarding environmental factors that can disrupt port operations or trade routes. Extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts or unseasonal flooding, can lead to port closures, draft restrictions, or increased operational costs, mirroring the situation in Brazil. Proactive risk assessment and contingency planning for such environmental disruptions are crucial for maintaining supply chain resilience.

The practical takeaway for operators is the need to build greater flexibility and financial buffers into their planning for routes susceptible to environmental volatility. This includes closely monitoring hydrological and meteorological forecasts for key waterways and ports, and understanding the potential for cascading cost increases beyond direct surcharges.