French shipping giant CMA CGM announced that it would impose an Emergency Cost Recovery Surcharge (ECRS) on both import and export containers handled through the Port of Chattogram.
The decision follows the 41% tariff increase recently enforced by the Chattogram Port Authority.
The surcharge will take effect from October 26, 2025, based on the vessel’s berthing date at Chattogram Port (BDCGP). The new port tariff, however, will come into force on October 15.
According to a company notice issued on Tuesday, the ECRS is intended to help mitigate the impact of increased local operational charges.
The surcharge will be applicable to all import and export shipments passing through Chattogram Port and must be paid either at the port or elsewhere within Bangladesh, regardless of shipment terms or contracts.
For dry containers, the surcharge will be $45 for 20 ft containers, $70 for 40 ft containers, $105 for 40 ft High Cube containers, and $145 for 45 ft High Cube containers.
For refrigerated (reefer) containers, the surcharge will be $40 for 20 ft containers, $60 for 40 ft containers, and $90 for 40 ft High Cube containers.
Out of gauge (OOG) containers will face surcharges of $110 for 20 ft containers, $165 for 40 ft containers, and $245 for 40 ft High Cube containers.
Hazardous (HAZ) cargo will incur surcharges of $140 for 20 ft containers, $215 for 40 ft containers, and $305 for 40 ft High Cube containers.
When contacted, officials from CMA CGM’s Bangladesh office declined to comment on the decision.
Industry insiders stated that this surcharge marks the beginning of cost adjustments by foreign shipping lines following the port tariff hike.
One shipping agent noted that while shipping agents will initially bear these additional costs, they will ultimately pass them on to importers and exporters.
Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) Chairman Syed Mohammad Arif expressed frustration over the decision to raise tariffs despite widespread objections from stakeholders.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Shipping ignored the industry’s concerns when raising the port tariff.
As a result, foreign shipping lines are now imposing surcharges to recover the added costs, which will inevitably raise import and export expenses.
“We urge the Chattogram Port Authority and the Ministry of Shipping to reconsider the tariff hike and extend the implementation period,” he said.
Earlier, on September 14, the government published a gazette announcing a 41 percent increase in port tariffs.
The new rates were initially scheduled to take effect on September 15, but following strong objections from traders, Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) M Shakhawat Hossain announced a one-month suspension during a view-exchange meeting at Chattogram Port on September 20.
The Chattogram Port Authority later confirmed that the revised tariffs would take effect from October 15, following a notification issued on September 30.
