In brief
On Monday, French shipping line CMA CGM announced a new war‑risk surcharge for Black Sea routes, charging USD 35 per 20‑foot container and USD 70 per 40‑foot container. The fee applies immediately to voyages to Constanta, Poti, Varna, Burgas, and from December 1 it will affect shipments to the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America. The move follows the region’s inclusion on the Joint War Committee’s war‑risk list after a series of drone attacks on merchant vessels.
On December 1, 2026, French shipping line CMA CGM announced a new war‑risk surcharge for cargo routed through the Black Sea, stating it would charge USD 35 per 20‑foot container (TEU) and USD 70 per 40‑foot container. The announcement was made on the company’s website this past Monday.
The surcharge takes effect immediately for voyages to the ports of Constanta, Poti, Varna and Burgas. CMA CGM said the fee will also apply to shipments destined for the United States, Australia, New Zealand and countries in Latin America starting December 1, 2026, subject to the relevant regulatory requirements.
According to the company, the decision follows the Black Sea’s recent inclusion on the Joint War Committee’s list of war‑risk zones. On September 16, the maritime area was added to the list after a deterioration of the operational situation in the region, including a series of drone attacks on merchant vessels in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone since October 6.
“The measure is a response to the increasing risk for shipping operations in the Black Sea,” the company’s statement read. The surcharge is intended to cover additional costs associated with insurance and operational safety in a zone that has seen heightened military activity.
Shipments to the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America will be covered by the fee from December 1, 2026, but only if the shipments meet regulatory requirements. The company clarified that the surcharge applies across all cargo types and is not limited to specific commodities.
Analysts note that this move reflects a broader trend among shipping companies to address rising risk premiums in conflict‑affected waters. The fee sent a clear signal that CMA CGM is preparing for potential disruptions in the Black Sea region, where drone attacks have increased over the past year.
