In brief
CMA CGM is imposing a war‑risk surcharge on containers that transit the Black Sea, echoing recent drone attacks and a NATO‑listed war zone designation. The fee applies now to ports like Constanta, Poti, Varna and Burgas, and from Dec. 1, 2026 to destinations in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Latin America.
On Monday, French shipping giant CMA CGM announced a new war‑risk surcharge for containers that move through the Black Sea. The fee applies immediately to voyages calling at the ports of Constanta, Poti, Varna and Burgas.
Under the new rule, CMA CGM will add USD 35 for each 20‑foot container and USD 70 for each 40‑foot container, regardless of the cargo type. The charges are set to cover the full cost of operating in a zone that has recently seen multiple drone attacks on merchant vessels.
The company said the decision follows the Black Sea’s inclusion on the Joint War Committee’s list of war‑risk areas, a designation that came after the area’s operational situation deteriorated in recent months.
Starting Dec. 1, 2026, the surcharge will also apply to shipments headed to the United States and its territories, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin American countries. These overseas routes will be subject to the same per‑container amounts as the Black Sea ports.
CMACGM explained that the increased fee is necessary to compensate for the higher insurance costs and the risks posed by drone attacks that have targeted merchant ships in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone since Oct. 6. The company’s policy applies across all types of cargo, marking a broad shift in shipping economics for the region.
The announcement arrives as maritime security agencies worldwide monitor the situation closely. CMA CGM’s announcement is the latest example of shipping lines adapting to heightened risks in the Black Sea area, a region that has become increasingly volatile for commercial navigation.
