Ocean Connected Shipping (ONE) recently announced that it will revise the Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) within its global network starting from August 15, 2026. The new rates will apply to all ocean and short haul routes until further notice.
New rates: $75 for dry containers and $100 for refrigerated containers
The price difference between dry and refrigerated containers is very significant. On the first leg of the route, refrigerated containers are 33% more expensive than dry containers; On return and short haul routes, refrigerated containers are 32% more expensive than dry containers.
Which routes are applicable?
The new EFS will apply to all ocean and short haul routes, covering non FMC regulated and FMC regulated trade routes, including cargo transportation involving the United States, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan, Hawaii, and Canada. The new rate will take effect from August 15, 2026.
A few points worth noting
The EFS adjustment by ONE is a direct response to the fuel market.
According to Ship&Bunker data, fuel prices at major ports worldwide experienced significant fluctuations in the first half of 2026. It is a common practice in the industry for shipping companies to hedge fuel cost risks by adjusting EFS.
What is ONE's EFS level compared to the industry?
The fuel related surcharges previously implemented by Hapag Lloyd on the Far East Nordic route were approximately $150-250/TEU, while Maersk's fuel surcharges typically range from $100-200/TEU.
The dry container rate of $75/TEU for ONE this time is at a relatively low level compared to the industry.
The EFS of $75/TEU has decreased compared to ONE's previous fuel surcharge of approximately $100-150/TEU on the Far East Europe route. This may reflect a decline in fuel prices, or it could be ONE's response to market competition.
What does it mean for freight forwarders?
The cost of the first leg of a long route is increasing
The EFS of 75 USD/TEU for dry containers is a hard cost that needs to be separately listed. It is recommended to separately list the "EFS surcharge" item in the quotation for goods shipped after August 15th to avoid being passively borne after a general quotation.
Return and short haul routes are relatively 'friendly'
The dry container EFS of $38/TEU is only about half of the first leg route. If the customer has a demand for return cargo or short distance transportation within the region, the EFS cost pressure on this route is relatively small.
The cost pressure of refrigerated containers is greater
The EFS for refrigerated containers on the first leg of the route reached $100/TEU, which is 33% higher than that of dry containers. Freight forwarders engaged in refrigerated container business must calculate this additional fee separately when quoting, and should not estimate it based on the EFS standard for dry containers.
Pay attention to whether other shipping companies will follow up
ONE is the first major shipping company to adjust its EFS in mid August. According to industry practice, other shipping companies may release similar fuel surcharge adjustments at similar times. Suggest continuous attention.
