Contargo, a barge operator, has imposed a €25 ($27.4) “emergency premium” on each cargo, blaming the rising cost of gasoline connected to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to the company’s latest numbers, inland services into Rotterdam are experiencing wait times of more than three days, while shippers in Antwerp are waiting for cargo for more than 40 hours. “The enormous rises in the price of gasoil, diesel, and electricity bring great financial hurdles to our hinterland network and service providers,” Contargo stated. To maintain our current level of service, we shall impose an emergency premium of €25 per full or empty container for all combinations of barge, rail, and truck, as well as truck delivery without a Contargo main run.”
It said the charge would apply until further notice and be levied in addition to existing bunker and diesel surcharges.
Furthermore, the operator said, full containers handled at its terminals without barge, rail or truck transport provided by Contargo would be subject to a “special surcharge” of €3 ($3.29) per box, adding: “If further major changes take place in the next few days, we will re-assess the situation.”
One industry insider told The Loadstar they were “not surprised”, describing the combination of additional charges and worsening services as normal practice in recent years.
The source added that the port of Antwerp’s decision to expand its left bank to accommodate an extra 4m teu would only add to congestion along north Europe’s inland waterways.
