By Adaku Onyenucheya
Global shipping firm, CMA CGM, has announced the introduction of a Low Sulfur Surcharge on all shipments from the Mediterranean to West Africa, effective May 1, 2025, in line with new environmental mandates by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The shipping firm said shippers trading between Europe and the West African corridor will pay a surcharge of $25 per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) on shipments originating from the West Mediterranean, France Mediterranean, East Mediterranean, and North Africa to destinations across West Africa.

The move comes as the Mediterranean Sea is set to become an Emission Control Area (ECA) under the IMO’s updated regulations aimed at reducing sulfur emissions from ships and improving air quality in coastal and marine regions.

The shipping firm, in a notice, said that as part of the compliance strategy, vessels operating in the region will be required to use low-sulfur fuels and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.

The shipping firm said the surcharge is in addition to the Basic Ocean Freight and will be applied according to standard freight payment terms.
CMA CGM stated that the new pricing mechanism, referred to as the ECAs IMO Adjustment Factor, reflected the company’s commitment to sustainable operations while remaining in compliance with global environmental standards.

“This measure supports global efforts to reduce the shipping industry’s environmental footprint. By using lower sulfur fuels and implementing cleaner technologies, we are contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future,” the company stated.

The company advised shippers and trade partners operating on the Mediterranean–West Africa corridor to adjust their logistics planning and budgeting to accommodate the new surcharge beginning next month.