From 1 August 2026, a reefer surcharge will become a new cost for exporters shipping refrigerated containers via Antwerp and Rotterdam with CMA CGM. The French shipping line is introducing an Equipment Surcharge for reefer cargo to virtually all global destinations.
The surcharge amounts to $500 per container from Antwerp and $600 per container from Rotterdam. The charge will be collected in advance and will remain in force until further notice. In its announcement, CMA CGM does not provide any detailed explanation as to the reason for the measure.
Reefer surcharge applies to refrigerated containers worldwide
The new reefer surcharge applies to refrigerated containers shipped worldwide from Antwerp and Rotterdam. The measure therefore affects a significant proportion of reefer exports from the Benelux. This concerns cargo that requires temperature control during transport, such as foodstuffs, pharmaceutical products, chemical goods and other temperature-sensitive cargo.
According to the announcement, the Equipment Surcharge applies from the date of loading at the port of departure. For Antwerp, the surcharge is 500 dollars per container. For Rotterdam, a further 100 dollars is added, bringing the total to 600 dollars per container.
For exporters, this can have a significant impact on the total cost price. With reefer containers, margins often depend on product value, shelf life, transit time and reliability. An additional charge of hundreds of dollars per container can therefore have a direct impact on quotations, contracts and selling prices. Further information on international sea freight can be found on the sea freight page.
Exceptions for different shipping routes
The reefer surcharge does not apply to all destinations. Exceptions include West Africa, East Africa, the United States and its territories, Australia, New Zealand, the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, ECCA, the Caribbean, the French Antilles, French Guiana, Guyana and Northern Brazil.
It is precisely these exceptions that stand out. Several of these shipping regions traditionally handle large volumes of reefer cargo. Examples include fruit, meat, fish, dairy products, flowers, pharmaceutical products and other temperature-sensitive goods. One possible explanation is that CMA CGM needs to redeploy reefer equipment more quickly in certain regions to handle export flows, but the shipping line has not confirmed this.
As CMA CGM has not provided any explanation, the sector continues to speculate about the reasons behind this. Possible causes include a shortage of reefer containers, limited availability of reefer plugs, imbalances in equipment flows or higher operational costs in the Benelux.
Rotterdam more expensive than Antwerp
The difference between Rotterdam and Antwerp is striking. CMA CGM charges $600 per reefer container from Rotterdam, whilst the rate from Antwerp is $500. For shippers who have a choice between the two ports, this difference may be a factor in route planning.
However, the lowest surcharge is not always automatically the best choice. The total costs also depend on pre-carriage, terminal charges, cut-off times, container availability, sailing schedules, transit time and connections at the final destination. A lower surcharge may be offset elsewhere in the supply chain by additional costs or delays.
For companies with temperature-sensitive cargo, reliability is often just as important as price. A reefer container must be available, connected in good time and shipped without unnecessary delays. Read more about container handling and requesting rates.
Potential pressure on reefer equipment
The sector is taking into account a potential shortage of reefer equipment. Refrigerated containers are more expensive and more complex than standard containers. They must be in good technical condition, have functioning refrigeration systems and be connected to a power supply during waiting periods.
The availability of reefer plugs may also play a role. Terminals have a limited number of connection points for refrigerated containers. When a large volume of reefer cargo is presented at the same time, this can put pressure on terminal capacity and scheduling.
A reefer surcharge may then be used to offset additional costs or network constraints. However, as CMA CGM has not provided any explanation, it remains unclear whether this is in fact the reason.
Impact on exporters from the Benelux
For exporters from the Netherlands and Belgium, the new charge could quickly add up. Where several reefer containers are shipped per week or per month, the impact will be significant. Companies operating under fixed-price agreements or current contracts may find themselves under particular pressure as a result.
The additional costs may also influence route selection. Some shippers will look to see whether other shipping lines, ports or sailings offer more favourable terms. At the same time, the availability of reefer containers remains a key factor. A cheaper alternative is only viable if equipment, space and connecting capacity are available.
Preparation is therefore crucial for temperature-sensitive exports. Companies would be well advised to book early, check surcharges carefully and verify which costs are included in the quotation. Further information on exports can be found on the exports page.
Reefer surcharge makes comparing rates more important
The new reefer surcharge highlights that sea freight rates consist of more than just the base rate. Surcharges for equipment, fuel, peak season, congestion, security, documentation and local costs can significantly affect the final amount.
Shippers would therefore be wise to compare quotations not only on the basis of total price, but also in terms of validity, departure date, route, included surcharges and conditions in the event of changes. Particularly with reefer containers, small differences in scheduling can have major consequences for product quality and costs.
TOP closely monitors developments relating to CMA CGM, reefer surcharges, equipment availability and sea freight rates. It remains important for customers to act promptly and to obtain clarity in advance on all cost components. Read more about sea freight rates and Incoterms.
…refrigerated containers require power during storage and terminal handling to monitor the temperature? As a result, not only the containers themselves, but also the availability of power points and planning are crucial for reliable reefer logistics.
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