CMA CGM to implement a Reefer Consumption Surcharge

CMA CGM and subsidiaries have so far not been billing the additional reefer consumption costs to their customers, having had a similar BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) structure for both dry and reefer containers. In order to have a more transparent and true segregation of costs between these two very distinct segments it has now been decided to make this an integrated part of freight surcharges.

The Reefer Consumption Surcharge incorporates the actual cost of fuel and will be revised on a monthly basis, together with general BAF levels.

“One of the main differences between dry containers and reefer containers is the energy consumption needed to maintain the temperature during transportation, as well as to properly ventilate containers carrying perishable commodities. The electricity used for reefers aboard container vessels means extra fuel consumption, thus extra cost for both shippers and carriers. With this Reefer Consumption Surcharge, CMA CGM and affiliates provide customers with a more transparent and balanced segregation of costs,” explained Claus Ellemann-Jensen, CMA CGM’s VP Reefers.