Costs and charges
War risk surcharge
An extra charge carriers add when a route passes through conflict or high-risk areas, covering higher insurance and operating costs.
In four languages
When shipping routes pass through areas affected by conflict, carriers face higher hull insurance premiums, crew costs, diversions and delays. They pass these on through a war risk, emergency or contingency surcharge, often announced at short notice. Since March 2026 the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed to normal container traffic, and lines serving the Gulf have applied emergency surcharges while discharging UAE cargo at Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Sohar or other ports. This surcharge is separate from war risk cover on your own cargo insurance, which is an extra you must ask for. Example: a buyer and a Chinese seller agree CFR Jebel Ali. Because surcharges and diversion costs can arise after shipping, the contract states clearly which party pays war risk surcharges and any extra on-carriage.
Questions
Is the war risk surcharge the same as war insurance?
No. The surcharge is the carrier's cost added to the freight. War cover for your goods is a separate addition to your cargo insurance policy.
Who pays the war risk surcharge?
Whoever pays the freight under the Incoterm and the carrier's terms, unless the sales contract says otherwise. Agree it in writing on Gulf routes.