Ocean Network Express (ONE) will implement an emergency fuel surcharge from late March, citing increased fuel procurement costs resulting from security disruptions in the Middle East.

The container shipping line said operations have been subject to multiple constraints and contingency measures, with the duration of these conditions remaining uncertain.

Under the new structure, dry container shipments on long-haul head-haul routes will incur a charge of $160 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), while refrigerated containers will face a $210 per TEU surcharge. Back-haul long-haul routes will see charges of $80 per TEU for dry containers and $105 per TEU for refrigerated cargo.

Short-sea trades will be subject to $80 per TEU for dry containers and $105 per TEU for refrigerated units, regardless of direction.

The surcharge will take effect on 24 March for non-FMC-regulated trades, and 9 April for FMC-regulated trades including the United States, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan, and Hawaii, as well as Canada.

ONE said the surcharge is subject to any required regulatory approvals and notice periods where applicable, and will remain in effect until further notice.

The company stated the measure is necessary to continue providing services under what it described as exceptional circumstances, with fuel costs having risen across multiple regions and trade lanes.