Importers in Kenya are set to face higher shipping costs starting today after global shipping giant Maersk announced a new Operational Cost Imports (OCI) fee for containers arriving from anywhere in the world.
- •The surcharge is intended to cover additional operational expenses and will be added on top of standard freight charges, affecting both dry and refrigerated containers.
- •The OCI fee varies by container size and type: For a 20-foot dry container, the fee is US$18 (about KSh 2,330); a 40-foot dry container or a 45-foot high cube container carries a US$33 (about KSh 4,270) surcharge.
- •Surcharges could raise the cost of doing trade, undermine the competitiveness of the Kenyan corridor in regional supply chains, and ultimately translate into higher prices for consumers.
Maersk said the fee is being introduced to offset costs associated with container inspections and other operational processes. These inspections, which may include customs checks, security screening, and compliance with port regulations, have become more complex and resource-intensive in recent years.
Surcharges like OCI are a common method for shipping companies to pass such costs to customers rather than absorbing them. The impact on Kenyan businesses could be significant. Import-heavy sectors, including retail, manufacturing, and cold chain logistics, will see their input costs rise, potentially affecting prices for end consumers.
For refrigerated containers, often used to transport perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals, the fees are higher: US$33 (about KSh 4,270) for 20-foot units and US$43 (about KSh 5,562) for 40-foot units.
While this fee specifically targets shipments to Kenya, similar surcharges are part of a broader trend in global shipping. Rising operational costs, port congestion, labor shortages, and stricter regulatory requirements have prompted carriers worldwide to add fees for peak periods, heavy containers, or additional handling.
Maersk has introduced multiple surcharges in other markets, such as congestion fees, heavy load fees, and peak season surcharges, reflecting the global pressures on logistics chains.
In 2024, Maersk announced a sweeping rise in local surcharges on container traffic through the Port of Mombasa. The increases drew sharp criticism from the industry lobby Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA).
After mounting pressure and an intervention from the industry regulator, the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Maersk reversed many of the surcharge hikes and abolished some of the more contentious fees.
