Changes to Gate Charge in Saudi Arabia – Effective 1st November 2025

Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Gate Charge (GTC) in Saudi Arabia. The revised tariff will take effect on November 1st, 2025, based on the actual arrival date of the cargo.

Changes to Combined Detention and Demurrage Tariff in South Korea –Effective 22nd October 2025

Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Combined Detention and
Demurrage tariff for shipments from South Korea. The revised tariff will take effect on October
22nd, 2025, based on the actual departure date of the cargo.

Combined Detention and Demurrage for Export are calculated from the time of ‘actual’ empty pull
out from our appointed empty container depot to the ‘actual’ loading of the laden container on the
vessel – including port storage.

We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate
to contact us. Thank you.

Implementation of Ministry of Transport Directive on Authorized Freight Forwarding Transactions

We wish to inform you that the Ministry of Transport – Maritime Transport Licensing Department, State of Qatar, has issued a directive under Law No. 12 of 2012 (Reference No. MOT/LMTD/2025/193 dated 18th September 2025).
As per this directive, effective from 01 January 2026, all import and export transactions in Qatar must be conducted exclusively through Freight Forwarding Companies authorized by the Ministry of Transport.
Key Implications:

  • For Imports: Delivery Orders and other related services can only be processed through authorized Freight Forwarders approved by the Ministry of Transport.
  • For Exports: Bills of Lading and related documentation must be handled through authorized Freight Forwarders approved by the Ministry of Transport.
    Customers are strongly advised to review and comply with the Ministry’s directive to avoid any delays or disruptions in their import and export operations.
    Important Note:
    This directive applies only in the following cases:
  • When the Consignee (for Imports) is a Freight Forwarder stated on the Bill of Lading.
  • When the Shipper (for Exports) is a Freight Forwarder stated on the Bill of Lading.
    If the Consignee (Imports) or Shipper (Exports) is the actual customer themselves, this directive will not apply.
    Company Compliance:
    In alignment with this new regulation, our Company will strictly adhere to the Ministry of Transport’s directive.
    Accordingly, we will NOT entertain or process any requests from agents or freight forwarders who are not registered and approved by the Ministry of Transport (MOTC).
    We seek your kind understanding and cooperation in adhering to this new regulation issued by the Ministry of Transport.
    Thank you.
    Prime Shipping Services
    As agents for ESL

Changes to Combined Detention and Demurrage Tariff in South Korea –Effective 17th October 2025

Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Combined Detention and Demurrage tariff for shipments from South Korea. The revised tariff will take effect on October 17th, 2025, based on the actual departure date of the cargo.

We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you.

Environmental Fuel Surcharge (EFS) Effective 1st Nov 2025

Please be informed that an Environmental Fuel Surcharge (EFS) as per below; will be imposed based on the Very Low Sulphur fuel price of between USD450 to USD500 per ton with effective from 1st Nov 2025.

The Environmental Fuel Surcharge (EFS) will be reviewed on monthly basis for necessary adjustment in line with below Matrix and implemented with an advance notice to customers.

Please contact our local Sales and Customer Service team for bookings and any further assistance.

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line

Changes to IMO Surcharge for Far East to Jebel Ali, Dammam, Umm Qasr and Kuwait – Effective 15th Oct 2025

Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the IMO Surcharge for Far East to Jebel Ali, Dammam, Umm Qasr and Kuwait shipments. The revised tariff will take effect on October 15th, 2025, based on the actual departure date of the cargo.

We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you.

Changes to IMO Surcharge for Far East to Middle East excluding Jebel Ali, Kuwait, Iraq and Dammam – Effective 15th Oct 2025

Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the IMO Surcharge for Far East to Middle East shipments excluding Jebel Ali, Kuwait, Iraq and Dammam. The revised tariff will take effect on October 15th, 2025, based on the actual departure date of the cargo.

For Special Equipment, the DG quantum will be 1.5 times the tariff of dry shipments.

We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you.

Acceptance of CY-CFS Shipments at Dar-es-Salaam Port

In accordance with the operational procedures at Tanzanian Ports, CY-CFS shipments are permitted. Shippers requesting the inclusion of a CY-CFS Status on the Bill of Lading must acknowledge and comply with the following conditions:

a. The CY-CFS status must be explicitly mentioned at the time of submitting the Shipping Instructions (SI) to ESL.

b. The name of the nominated Container Freight Station (CFS) at the destination must be clearly specified by the shipper in the “additional remarks”.

c. The shipper shall provide a Letter of Indemnity (LOI) on official letterhead, indemnifying the shipping line, its agents, and contractors from any costs, liabilities, or consequences arising from the inclusion of CY-CFS status on the Original Bill of Lading (OBL).

d. The shipping line’s responsibility shall cease upon discharge of the container at the Port of Dar-es-Salaam.

e. Movement of the container from the port to the nominated CFS shall be at the cost, arrangement, and risk of the shipper or their nominated CFS.

f. All charges related to CFS operations must be settled by the consignee or their appointed clearing agent prior to the issuance of the Delivery Order.

g. A maximum of 15 free days from the date of container discharge from vessel shall be granted for the return of the empty container. Thereafter, standard demurrage charges shall apply.

h. Any delay in destuffing may result in container demurrage, which shall be payable by the consignee or their appointed agent.

i. ESL shall collect a container deposit at destination.

  • USD 500 for 20-foot containers
  • USD 1,000 for 40-foot containers
    This deposit shall be refunded upon confirmation of container destuffing and receipt of an Empty Container Notification by ESL.

Thank you.

Changes to Terminal Handling Charges in Sohar – Effective 1st Jan 2026

Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Terminal Handling Charges (THL for loading and THD for discharge) in Sohar. The revised tariff will take effect on January 1st, 2026, based on the actual arrival or departure date of the cargo.

We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you.

Changes to Terminal Handling Charges in Chennai (CCTL & CITPL)TERMINALS – INDIA – Effective 6th October’25

Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Terminal Handling Charges
(THL for loading and THD for discharge) in Chennai- INDIA. The revised tariff will take effect on
October 6th October 2025, based on the actual arrival or departure date of the cargo.
Terminal Handling Charge – Load Port (THL) & Discharge Port (THD)

We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact us. Thank you