Aftermath of labour strike, CMA CGM Introduces Congestion Surcharge At Lagos Seaports

ZION Olalekan

Apparently due to the cargo glut at the Lagos ports sparked off by the recently suspended labour strike, one of the frontline shipping companies in the country, CMA CGM has said that it would begin the collection of a new port charges called congestion surcharge on Lagos imports.

The management of the company announced weekend that it is introducing the new charge as a result of increase in its operational costs and service disruption.

The new congestion charge is expected to commence on Lagos import cargo with effect from October 15th, 2018.

Investigations carried out by nigeriamaritime360.com revealed that importers and their agents are grappling with many challenges at the ports one of which is that shipping companies no longer refund container deposits to clearing agents.

Imposition of congestion surcharge is yet another challenge which has all combined to push up the cost of goods clearance at the ports.

Shipping companies blamed the situation on the fact that it takes so long for containers to be returned back to their premise.

Clearing agents have also attributed the situation to the ever present Apapa gridlock, saying that the gridlock is not the fault of operators.

In a circular issued on Friday, CMA CGM said: “Port congestion at Lagos ports, Nigeria, is currently increasing our operational costs and generating severe service disruption for several weeks”.

The circular added: “CMA CGM will therefore implement the following Emergency Congestion Surcharge on Lagos import cargo:
Effective October 15th, 2018 (B/L date) for non-FMC trades and November 5th, 2018 (B/L date) for FMC trades:
From worldwide to Apapa and Tincan, Nigeria
All cargo dry, reefer, OOG and breakbulk
Prepaid and paid in addition to the ocean freight
USD 400 / EUR 350 per 20′ Dry and Reefer
USD 400 / EUR 350 per 40′ Dry and Reefer.