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France's CMA CGM to charge inland emergency fee due to lower river levels - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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France's CMA CGM to charge inland emergency fee due to lower river levels

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 21, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: August 21, 2026

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CMA CGM Introduces Inland Emergency Fee as Low River Levels Hit Shipping

Impact of Low Water Levels on European Shipping Operations

BRUSSELS, Aug 21 (Reuters) - French container shipping giant CMA CGM said on Friday it will apply an "inland emergency fee" as the low water levels in the Rhine and other European rivers disrupt inland barge traffic.

Consequences of Reduced Water Levels

• The low waterline had led to a reduction in the transport capacity, congestion, extended terminal dwell times and higher operating costs, CMA CGM said in a statement.

Application of the Emergency Fee

• The emergency fee will be applied to all transport modes for inland shipments to or from locations routed through Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam.

Details of Surcharges by Region

• A surcharge of €50 ($58.40) per container will be applied on shipments to or from locations in Belgium and the Netherlands and €75 to or from locations in Germany, Switzerland and France.

Exchange Rate and Reporting Credits

($1 = 0.8562 euros)

(Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Will Dunham)

Key Takeaways

  • Low river levels are severely impacting inland barge capacity, causing congestion, longer dwell times and increased operating costs across key European waterways.
  • CMA CGM’s inland emergency fee applies to all inland shipment modes via Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam: €50 per container for Belgium and Netherlands, €75 for Germany, Switzerland and France.
  • This surcharge reflects growing industry-wide responses, as other major carriers like Maersk and Hapag‑Lloyd have also introduced low‑water or contingency surcharges amid prolonged drought and navigational constraints on the Rhine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is CMA CGM introducing an inland emergency fee?
CMA CGM is introducing the fee due to reduced transport capacity and increased operating costs caused by low water levels in the Rhine and other European rivers.
Which locations will see the CMA CGM emergency fee applied?
The fee applies to inland shipments to or from locations routed through Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Rotterdam.
How much is the surcharge per container?
Shipments to or from locations in Belgium and the Netherlands will have a surcharge of €50 per container, and €75 for those in Germany, Switzerland, and France.
What impacts have low river levels had on shipping?
Low river levels have reduced transport capacity, created congestion, extended terminal dwell times, and increased operating costs.

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