Gambiaj.com – (MARSEILLE, France) – Global shipping company CMA CGM has announced the implementation of a Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) on all cargo destined for The Gambia. The surcharge, aimed at addressing challenges arising from increased congestion at Gambian ports, will take effect on November 1, 2024, for all regions except the United States, U.S. territories, and Latin American countries, which will see the surcharge applied starting November 15, 2024.

The PCS applies to all shipments from every origin, with the exclusion of the Far East, and covers all types of cargo containers headed to The Gambia. The charges are set as follows: USD 500 per container globally, EUR 500 per container for shipments originating from Europe, and GBP 400 per container for shipments from the United Kingdom.

As per CMA CGM, this surcharge will be applied according to the standard freight payment procedures. The surcharge has been introduced in response to ongoing delays and logistical challenges caused by congestion, which have strained port operations and increased turnaround times for vessels calling at Gambian ports.

This surcharge is expected to provide CMA CGM with the means to continue efficient service and manage costs linked to delays. The company urges customers and partners to prepare for this added cost in their logistics planning through the fourth quarter of 2024 and beyond.