Previously, CMA, MSC and ONE have all issued notices that Tianjin Xingang is facing a serious shortage of available refrigerated containers due to stricter customs inspection of imported refrigerated containers, which leads to slow pick-up of inbound refrigerated containers. For this purpose, the three companies are charging congestion surcharges on refrigerators that arrive at Tianjin port.

On December 28, 2020, ONE said that the congestion surcharge (CGS) previously imposed on refrigerated goods shipped to Tianjin Xingang, China, was suspended with immediate effect, in view of the reduced congestion problem and improved operational conditions in Tianjin Xingang.

Previously, ONE imposed a congestion surcharge of $1,300 per container to cover any additional charges that might arise. The fee will take effect on Nov 24 for all refrigerated goods arriving at Tianjin Xingang.

CMA CGM has also informed customers that the congestion surcharge for refrigerators at Tianjin Port will be cancelled as of December 24, 2020.

Previously, CMA CGM also informed customers that it will charge a port congestion surcharge of $1,250 for each refrigerated container at Tianjin Port starting from November 18, 2020. Mediterranean Shipping also announced that it will cancel the congestion surcharge for refrigerated cargo in Tianjin, China starting from December 24.

Earlier, Mediterranean Shipping imposed a congestion surcharge of $1,500 per case for refrigerated cargo from Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean to Tianjin Xingang, effective on Nov 23 (bill of lading date).