Maersk estimated that in October, starting from week 41 – Monday, October 5 to Sunday, October 11 – of this year, navigation restrictions through the rivers located in the Amazon region of Brazil will be put in place.
“As part of our continuous monitoring of river conditions in the Amazon region, in Brazil, there are strong indications that navigation restrictions could begin starting from week 41 (October), with the greatest likelihood of operational impact between weeks 43 and 47. Subsequently, capacity restrictions are expected to resume between weeks 48 and 52 (December),” the shipping company informed customers.
In that scenario, the maritime company reiterated that it will apply a low water level surcharge (LWC) to shipments with origin or destination in Manaus. The charge will apply to shipments from Asia Pacific, India, Middle East, Africa and Europe starting September 1; Intra-Americas, starting September 10; North America, starting September 15; and Manaus, starting October 10.
“The low water level surcharge applies when seasonal low water level conditions in the Amazon River generate operational impacts, such as draft restrictions, navigation limitations, operational disruptions, additional transshipment requirements or other circumstances that increase the cost of maintaining regular transportation services in the region. Therefore, the surcharge aims to maintain safe, reliable and continuous transportation services during periods of restricted navigation,” explained Maersk.
The implementation period, pricing and operational planning are determined through a combination of historical river level patterns, official hydrological information, bathymetric surveys, technical navigability assessments, forecasting of river conditions and the expected operational impacts on service continuity. These assessments are continuously reviewed during the low water season to ensure that the surcharge remains aligned with actual operational needs.
“Currently, the additional operational impacts /or costs may include, but are not limited to, vessel draft restrictions, reduced vessel cargo capacity, alternative port calls, partial or total cargo transshipment, additional cargo handling, temporary storage requirements, equipment repositioning, additional operational resources needed to maintain service continuity; and other operational measures,” detailed the shipping company.
