Global shipping giant slaps congestion fees on containers going through Lyttelton Port

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Shipping firm Maersk will add a US$200 (NZD$375) congestion fee to its containers going through the Lyttelton Port from December 1.

In a statement on Friday, the company said the surcharge is a result of the port's "operational constraints that are impacting the flow of cargo through the network".

"These conditions are creating pressure on schedules and capacity, which could affect planned activities if not addressed proactively.

"To manage the evolving situation, a congestion surcharge has been implemented as of 1st December 2025 which will be reviewed regularly and will remain in place while the situation persists."

Maersk

stated the surcharge would apply to its containers that listed Lyttelton as the origin or destination.

"This measure is intended to support our ability to serve customers reliably under current conditions," Maersk said in a statement.

"For now, Maersk will continue to call at Lyttelton as per our current service schedules, and our focus will be to minimise the impact on our customers.

"We are in close contact with Lyttelton Port Company and other stakeholders to stay updated and ensure timely communication to our customers.

"Current indications suggest disruptions at Lyttelton terminal will continue in the short term, and we will keep customers informed as the situation develops."

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Maritime Union of New Zealand spokesperson Victor Billot told

chrislynchmedia.com

the surcharge was the consequence of a Lyttelton Port Company restructure.

He told

chrislynchmedia.com

concerns about the container terminal restructure, such as labour shortages and the loss of experienced staff, had been raised by port workers. Twenty-four foreman positions had been disestablished and replaced with a team of 12, he said.

This had led to delays when loading ships and congestion in the terminal, Billot told

chrislynchmedia.com

The tariff amount per container was outlined in the

Maersk Notice of November 17 2025

Surcharge code

Origin

Destination

Effective date

Currency

All Containers

Lyttelton, NZ (NZLYT)

United States, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands (US), Guam, Colombia, Taiwan China

15-Dec-25

Lyttelton, NZ (NZLYT)

World (Excluding United States, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands (US), Guam, Colombia, Taiwan China)

01-Dec-25

Lyttelton, NZ (NZLYT)

New Zealand

01-Dec-25

United States, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands (US), Guam, Colombia, Taiwan China

Lyttelton, NZ (NZLYT)

15-Dec-25

World (Excluding United States, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands (US), Guam, Colombia, Taiwan China)

Lyttelton, NZ (NZLYT)

01-Dec-25

New Zealand

Lyttelton, NZ (NZLYT)

01-Dec-25

* Non-SPOT booking –

The above rate is retrieved based on PCD. PCD = Price Calculation Date. For non-FMC, PCD refers to the scheduled departure date of the first water leg at the time of booking confirmation for non-spot bookings. For FMC, PCD is last container gate-in date for non-spot bookings.

* SPOT booking –

The above rate is retrieved based on 1st vessel ETD at booking confirmation for Spot bookings.

For your reference, we have also included the levels and rate structure for a sample corridor from Lyttleton, NZ to Algeciras, ES from 01-Dec-25 until further notice. These may be subject to future change; however, we will make sure to notify you accordingly.

Lyttleton, NZ to Algeciras, ES

Dry Container

Surcharge Code

20 DRY

40 DRY

40 HDRY

45 HDRY

BAS - Basic Ocean Freight

7013 USD

6666 USD

CP1 - Container Protect Essential

18 EUR

DDF - Documentation fee - Destination

60 EUR

DHC - Terminal Handling Service - Destination

270 EUR

ERS - Emergency Risk Surcharge

55 USD

110 USD

ESS - Emission surcharge SPOT and ST Contract

21 USD

41 USD

ODF - Documentation Fee Origin

80 NZD

OHC - Terminal Handling Service - Origin

PAE - Port Additionals / Port Dues Export

65 NZD

130 NZD

PAI - Port Additionals / Port Dues Import

36 EUR

57 EUR

CFO - Congestion Fee Origin

200 USD

Reefer and Special Container

Surcharge Code

20 REEF

40 HREEF

20 Special

40 Special

BAS - Basic Ocean Freight

6899 USD

7013 USD

6666 USD

CP1 - Container Protect Essential

18 EUR

DDF - Documentation fee - Destination

60 EUR

DHC - Terminal Handling Service - Destination

391 EUR

270 EUR

ERS - Emergency Risk Surcharge

110 USD

55 USD

110 USD

ESS - Emission surcharge SPOT and ST Contract

61 USD

21 USD

41 USD

ODF - Documentation Fee Origin

80 NZD

OHC - Terminal Handling Service - Origin

765 NZD

PAE - Port Additionals / Port Dues Export

130 NZD

65 NZD

130 NZD

PAI - Port Additionals / Port Dues Import

57 EUR

36 EUR

57 EUR

CFO - Congestion Fee Origin

200 USD

The above rates are also subject to other applicable surcharges, including local charges and contingency charges.

These rates are unaffected by, and do not affect, any tariff notified, published or filed in accordance with local regulatory requirements.

For trades subject to the US Shipping Act or the China Maritime Regulations, quotations or surcharges that vary from the Maersk Line tariff shall not be binding on Maersk Line unless included in a service contract or service contract amendment that has been filed with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) or the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, as applicable.

-Allied Media