Maersk Revises Cargo Insurance and Cargo Care Rates

Key Takeaways

• Maersk raises cargo insurance rates in Saudi, UAE, Lebanon, Israel.
• Dry cargo insurance now up to $1,596; temperature-controlled up to $2,699.
• Cargo Care fees also increased, with dry packages up to $1,468.
• New rates effective April/May 2026, differing for non‑FMC and FMC lanes.
• Rates include extra surcharges and are independent of local tariffs.

Pulse Analysis

Maersk’s decision to revise its cargo insurance and cargo care rates underscores the growing volatility in Middle‑East shipping corridors. Historically, the company’s insurance products have offered shippers a safety net against damage, theft and loss, but heightened geopolitical tensions and climate‑related disruptions have driven up risk premiums. By adjusting rates for both dry and temperature‑controlled cargo, Maersk signals that insurers are recalibrating exposure calculations, a move that could prompt other carriers to reassess their own ancillary services.

The new pricing structure, effective in April and May 2026, introduces a tiered approach that reflects the specific risk profiles of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Israel and the UAE. For non‑FMC trades, rates start at $290 for basic dry cargo coverage and climb to $1,596 for premium tiers, while temperature‑controlled shipments face caps near $2,700. Cargo Care, the optional handling and damage‑mitigation service, now costs up to $1,468 for dry cargo. Shippers must factor these increases into freight budgeting, especially for contracts that lock in rates well in advance, as the revised rates apply based on booking dates and departure schedules.

Industry analysts anticipate that Maersk’s adjustments may ripple through the broader logistics market. Higher ancillary costs could compress profit margins for importers, prompting a shift toward more rigorous cargo packaging standards or the exploration of alternative insurers. Competitors may follow suit, leading to a regional uplift in insurance premiums that could influence overall freight pricing. Ultimately, the move highlights the importance of integrated risk management in global supply chains, urging businesses to evaluate total landed cost rather than focusing solely on base freight rates.