Shipping to and from Manaus, Brazil? Here’s an update on the Low Water Surcharge

Considering the monitoring of the hydrological conditions of the Amazon Basin through official data provided by institutions such as the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (ANA), the Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB), and the Western Amazon Riverine Captaincy (CFAOC), as well the market, we hereby inform you of the evolution of the criticality of the hydrological conditions affecting navigability in the region.

The navigability criticality scenarios forecast for the region consider: (i) locations without a pier, affected by a reduction in vessel transport capacity due to draft restrictions; and (ii) locations with a pier, taking into account the impacts and additional costs required to maintain operations, including, where applicable, piers, barges, transshipment, additional cargo handling, storage, pilotage, insurance, and other extraordinary operational resources.

The forecasts confirm that implementing the LWS – Low Water Surchargewill be unavoidable to ensure cargo safety and the continuity and quality of the services.

The scenarios described will generate additional costs exceeding those initially forecasted and announced on August 12, 2026, because of the extraordinary measures with floating pier, calls at alternative ports and barge, including additional container handling, berthing, storage, and transfer operations.

Therefore, the LWS – Low Water Surcharge rates will be adjusted for the 2026 Amazon River Hydrological Cycle, as follows:

1. Services subject to LWS: The surcharge will apply to services to and from Manaus.

2. Effective date: The surcharge will apply from the dates indicated below, based on the pro forma ETD of the first port of loading or, for routes regulated by the FMC, the date on which the cargo is received, provided that the Negro River level reaches 17.70 meters or below:

• Imports from all origins to Manaus: October 12, 2026
• Exports from Manaus to all destinations: October 12, 2026

3. LWS amount: 

• USD 1,350.00 per container without floating pier (all container types).
• USD 3,500.00 per container with floating pier (all container types).
  

The amounts above will not be applied cumulatively; instead, the applicable amount will be determined based on the prevailing scenario at the time.

Based on the previously announced LWS of USD 1,350 per container, effective September 12, 2026, in this opportunity we adjust the effective date to October 12, 2026. Reinforcing that the applicable charge may be subject to review, adjustment, or dispute, depending on whether the conditions for applying the charge materialize and in accordance with the terms and limitations of applicable law and regulatory.

 4. Payment terms: In order to align the payment method with the anticipated hydrological restrictions, the following standard           terms will apply:

• Imports: collect
• Exports: prepaid

The applicable charge may be subject to review, adjustment, or dispute, depending on whether the conditions described in this communication materialize and in accordance with the terms and limitations of applicable law.

For further information regarding ocean freight rates, please refer to the Rates section on our website. Alternatively, please contact our local Customer Service team, who will be able to assist you based on your specific circumstances.