Maersk Added Cooling Fees for Namibia Reefer Shipments
Exporters and logistics managers moving refrigerated goods through South Africa must now account for new cooling service charges.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Transportation
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Maersk has introduced new origin and destination cooling service charges for refrigerated (reefer) containers transported between Namibia and international markets. These fees apply to all refrigerated equipment moved by truck through three specific South African ports.
Why it matters
The new fee structure impacts the landed cost of goods for businesses relying on refrigerated supply chains in the region. These charges were implemented to support the continued provision of Maersk’s global transportation services.
The new cooling service charges impact refrigerated containers transiting through 3 South African ports: Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth. These adjustments affect all refrigerated equipment transported by truck between Namibia and international markets.
The players
Maersk
An integrated container logistics company and global shipping carrier managing end-to-end supply chain solutions.
The details
The cooling service charges apply to all reefer equipment categorized as ALL_REEF (NOR-N) containers. Operations involve truck transport to or from South African ports, where containers are then processed for onward global transit. Businesses must factor these service costs into their logistics planning for cargo originating in or destined for Namibia.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Charges became effective for non-regulated countries.
October 22, 2026: Charges become effective for regulated countries.
Market Landscape
Shipping carriers frequently adjust auxiliary service fees to cover the operational complexities of maintaining cold chains through regional transit hubs. This update follows the pattern set by global carriers managing costs within the international regulatory framework for reefer container transit.
Logistics managers should update their freight cost estimates to account for the new cooling service fees for all shipments moving through the three designated South African ports. Consult with your logistics provider or account manager to determine how these changes impact your specific shipping lanes.
The takeaway
Carriers are increasingly unbundling specific service charges from general freight rates to account for localized operational demands. Review your current service agreements to ensure these additional fees are captured in your landing cost calculations for all reefer shipments.
Further reading
For more information on current supply chain shifts, visit our Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Container News.
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