MSC raises shipping costs for Kenyan, East African cargo

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 30 – MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced higher shipping charges for cargo to and from Kenya and other East African countries following the introduction of a new Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS).

The surcharge will take effect from April 1, 2026, and will impact cargo transported between East Africa and regions such as Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and parts of Southern Africa.

The new rates will apply to both dry cargo and refrigerated (reefer) containers, with charges varying depending on the route.

Under the changes, cargo moving between South Africa and Namibia to or from Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya will attract $130 per TEU for dry containers and $195 for refrigerated units.

Exports from East Africa to Northern Europe, including the UK, will be charged $230 per TEU for dry cargo and $345 for reefer containers. Shipments to the Scanbaltic region will cost $285 and $430 respectively.

Cargo destined for the West Mediterranean and Adriatic regions will be charged $220 per TEU for dry cargo and $330 for refrigerated units.

On imports, shipments from the Scanbaltic region into East Africa will attract $285 per TEU for dry cargo and $430 for reefer cargo, while cargo from Northern Europe will cost $230 and $345 respectively.

The move is expected to raise the cost of doing business for importers and exporters in the region as global fuel prices remain elevated and supply chain disruptions persist.