Global shipping updates: SC Ports expands routes and Maersk adds surcharges

South Carolina Ports has expanded its connectivity to South America through the addition of Charleston to CMA CGM’s AMERXL service. This weekly service provides six connections between the Southeast US and key ports in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, offering increased refrigerated container capacity for seafood, produce, and flowers.

In a separate development, Maersk has announced an emergency contingency surcharge of R24,000 (approximately US$1,500) on dry container shipments. Effective September 10, the charge applies to shipments traveling from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to South Africa and Indian Ocean islands. Maersk cited operational challenges, including prolonged voyage deviations, capacity constraints, and higher operating expenses, as the reasons for the additional cost.