Rate of Transference between East Asia and Europe and Mediterranean Region Increases.
Mediterranean Shipping Company announced new Freight All Kinds rates between Far East ports such as Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia and Northern Europe including West Med, East Med, Adriatic North Africa and Black Sea starting 15 December 2025 until 31 December 2025, which include base freight rates plus surcharges such as Global Fuel Surcharge at USD 79 per TEU for 40-foot container transhipment containers; West Med rates reached USD 4750 while East Med reached 4400 and Algeria USD 6950 respectively.
Starting 1 December 2025, further increases were detailed for Northern Europe 40-foot container costs to surge 50 percent within two weeks to USD 3100 - representing a 50% jump. Surcharges included Emission Control Area Charges between USD 15-52, Carbon Limit Surcharge at $20 per TEU and Carbon Review Surcharge between 57-885 per TEU as per International Maritime Organization regulations; these did not apply to dangerous goods.
Factors contributing to increases include supply-demand imbalances, container shortages and stricter EU environmental regulations such as carbon taxes and expanded ECAs that are passed onto customers.
Beira charges an Additional Peak Season Surcharge from Beira.
MSC announced on November 28 that all exports from Beira, Mozambique to worldwide destinations would incur an extra Peak Season Surcharge of USD 500 per unit starting December 1, 2025; for USA and Puerto Rico this surcharge will kick in on December 29. To provide reliable service during periods of high demand.
Additional Price Announcements are forthcoming.
On 18 December 2025, MSC issued EU price announcements for trades from India/Pakistan and Sri Lanka/Bangladesh to Europe at new FAK rates. Furthermore, on 10 December rates from Far East to Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique were updated.
Service Network Enhancements.
MSC strengthened its network by making changes on 24 December 2025 for Western Cape Express, offering faster transit times to North West Coast. On 22 December, Iroko Service added direct Cape Town calls for Asia-Africa trade, and on 10 December NWC-USA-SAWC Service gained direct Bilbao calls.
Regulatory and Fleet Development Solutions Provided by DPS
On 15 December 2025, MSC Group unveiled an update of its Emissions Trading System that addresses compliance within Europe. As it expands its fleet for decarbonization purposes and future-fuel readiness (ammonia or methanol), over 150 dual-fuel LNG vessels were ordered for decarbonization with over 150 dual-fuel LNG vessels ordered to date being equipped for future-fuel readiness (ammonia/methanol).
Market Impact Analysis has numerous positive aspects.
These adjustments indicate rising costs for shippers, potential price volatility in trade, and changes to alternative routes. Early booking is recommended to secure rates amid tightening capacity issues.