Low Water Surcharge (LWC) - Manaus 2026

As part of our continuous monitoring of river conditions in the Amazon region, in Brazil, as communicated on 17 July 2026, based on the “Initial Advisory on the 2026 Dry Season”, issued on July 14, 2026 by the Western Amazon River Authority (Capitania Fluvial da Amazônia Ocidental), available here – as well as data recorded by the National Water Agency (ANA) gauging stations and our predictive analyses, there are strong indications that navigation restrictions may begin as of week 41 (October), with the highest probability of operational impact occurring between weeks 43 and 47. Subsequently, capacity restrictions are expected to resume between weeks 48 and 52 (December).

To ensure safe navigation and maintain service reliability during the dry season, considering operational impacts and reinforcing our commitment to provide transparent information in a timely manner, allowing our customers to plan their shipments in advance and with predictability, we inform that, considering such predictive analysis, this advisory is issued for planning and informational purposes.

The Low Water Surcharge (LWC) will apply, to shipments to and from Manaus, effective from the dates below and until further notice, where the forecasted navigability restrictions effectively materialize and result in operational impacts requiring extraordinary operational measures to maintain transportation services.

Tariff: USD 1228 per DRY container (all types). For reefers, please contact your local representative.

Price Calculation Date (PCD): Based on average transit time from each region of origin, to align with expected river restrictions.

The Low Water Surcharge (LWC) applies whenever seasonal low water conditions in the Amazon River result in operational impacts such as draft restrictions, navigation limitations, operational disruptions, additional transshipment requirements or other circumstances that increase the cost of maintaining regular transportation services in the region. The surcharge is, therefore, intended to maintain safe, reliable, and continuous transportation services during periods of restricted navigation.

The implementation period, pricing and operational planning are determined using a combination of historical river-level patterns, official hydrological information, bathymetric surveys, technical navigability assessments, forecasted river conditions and expected operational impacts on service continuity. These assessments are continuously reviewed throughout the low-water season to ensure that the surcharge remains aligned with actual operational requirements.

Currently, additional operational impacts and/or costs may include, but are not limited to:

• Vessel draft restrictions;
• Reduced vessel carrying capacity;
• Alternative port calls;
• Partial or full cargo transshipment;
• Additional cargo handling;
• Temporary storage requirements;
• Equipment repositioning;
• Additional operational resources necessary to maintain service continuity; and
• Other reasonable operational measures required to safely transport cargo to or from Manaus.

As detailed above, the Low Water Surcharge is necessary due to capacity and logistical constraints, as well as to address additional costs that are necessary to maintain our services running when there are navigability restrictions in the Amazon region and, for this reason, the tariff may be reviewed and adjusted, depending on actual river conditions and operational plans. Possible scenarios include, but are not limited to:

Partial offload at Itacoatiara floating pier, to allow vessels to continue to Manaus, in case of worsening restrictions.

Full offload at Itacoatiara floating pier, which will happen if river levels fall below 17.20m and vessels cannot reach Manaus.

In above cases, the tariff surcharge may be reviewed to reflect additional operational costs associated with full reliance on the Itacoatiara pier.

Any such adjustment will be communicated through a revised advisory issued in accordance with applicable notice requirements.

Important Notes

• To promote transparency and better predictability, Maersk recommends that customers consider using Collect payment terms for the Low Water Surcharge (LWC) - whenever commercially feasible and contractually permitted. Under this arrangement, invoicing occurs closer to cargo arrival, allowing Maersk to assess the river conditions, navigability restrictions and operational impacts applicable to the specific shipment upon arrival at destination, avoiding invoicing if such restrictions do not materialize.
• If customers decide not using Collect payment terms as per the recommendation above, a dispute of the LWC may be requested if, at the actual time of their cargo arrival, restrictions don´t effectively materialize and don´t impact the shipment, based exclusively on the recommended maximum draft by Port Authority, according to Law n. 9.537/1997
• In case of any adjustment, a revised advisory will be issued at least 30 days before the new PCD.
• The application period is based on historical patterns and current forecasts. If actual conditions differ, the price valid at the PCD will prevail.
• River Depth measures are based on official bathymetry from the National Water Agency (ANA), Capitania Fluvial da Amazônia Ocidental (CFAOC) and analyzes of our specialized team.
• LWC will cease once sailing conditions return to normal by the PCD, typically in the last weeks of December, subject to actual river conditions.

PCD Guidelines

• Non-FMC trades: PCD is the scheduled departure date of the first water leg at the time of booking confirmation (non-spot bookings).
• FMC trades: PCD is the last container gate-in date (non-spot bookings).
• Spot bookings: PCD is the booking confirmation date.

FMC refers to Federal Maritime Commission, trades subject to the US Shipping Act.

Maersk will continue to monitor river conditions, navigability restrictions, and operational requirements throughout the low water season. The company remains committed to ensuring that the Low Water Surcharge reflects actual operational needs, is applied with objective and verifiable criteria and complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Updates will be communicated as conditions evolve to provide customers with maximum visibility and planning certainty while maintaining safe and reliable transportation services.

For any questions or planning support, please contact your Maersk representative.