Low Water Surcharge (LWC) - Manaus 2025

Update 07 - Low Water Surcharge (LWC) Manaus 2025 – Expiration Timeline

As the restriction period occurred according to our predictions, following our forecasted timeline, navigability conditions are expected to normalize by week 52. As a result, Maersk will discontinue the Low Water Surcharge (LWC) application based on the transit time from each origin region, as follows:

PCD Guidelines:

• Non-FMC trades: PCD is the scheduled departure date of the first water leg at the time of booking confirmation (non-spot bookings).
• FMC trades: PCD is the last container gate-in date (non-spot bookings).
• Spot bookings: PCD is the booking confirmation date.

FMC refers to Federal Maritime Commission, trades subject to the US Shipping Act.

We remain committed to transparency and service reliability. Our teams are closely monitoring the water levels of the Amazon River and will keep you informed of any developments affecting navigation and operations in the region.

Update 06 - Low Water Surcharge (LWC) Manaus 2025 - Navigation Restriction Begins

As per the directive issued by the Port Authority on Saturday, October 18th, draft restrictions have been implemented in the Enseada do Madeira and Tabocal stretches.

The maximum authorized draft on October 18th was 11.47 meters, which corresponds to a water level of 20.15 meters for the Amazon River in Manaus, updating the previous metric of 19.30 meters.

This decision marks the beginning of the navigation restriction period, limiting vessel loading capacity and, consequently, space availability. Considering this limitation, we will continue applying the previously announced Low Water Surcharge (LWC) without any changes.

Please find below the updated chart:

We continue to monitor the hydrological conditions and update our projections to anticipate potential impacts and ensure the best support for our customers’ operations.

For further information, we recommend following the official publications from the Brazilian Navy and our upcoming communications.

Update 05 - Low Water Surcharge (LWC) Manaus 2025

Maersk continues to closely monitor the Manaus River behavior using public data and advanced analytics. In the last 30 days, the river has dropped 4.33 meters, averaging a daily decrease of 15 cm. Notably, in the last 15 days, the daily drop accelerated to 17 cm per day. This rapid descent means we expect river levels to fall below 19.30 meters as from week 43, in line with our initial forecast.

We are proud to share that our forecast year-to-date accuracy is 95%, with a margin of error of only 21 centimeters over the last 90 days, demonstrating high reliability. Our system considers over 30 variables, including weather, sea, wind, and river levels all the way from Peru, to provide you with the most precise and actionable outlooks.

We remain committed to keeping you informed of any developments in navigation conditions and operations in the region.

Update 04 - Low Water Surcharge (LWC) Manaus 2025

We continue to closely monitor the water levels of the Amazon River. The graph below presents the latest hydrological forecast, based on updated data from National Water Agency (ANA), Mineral Resources Research Company (CPRM), and Civil Defense. Current projections continue to indicate potential navigation restrictions starting from week 43.

As previously communicated, the Low Water Surcharge remains in effect. This surcharge is applied when the Amazon River level falls below 19.30 meters, according to official monitoring data. If the river level is above 19.30 meters, the surcharge will not be applied. Any amount already charged under these conditions will be refunded.

We remain committed to keeping you informed of any developments in navigation conditions and operations in the region.

Update 03 - Low Water Surcharge (LWC) Manaus 2025 - Revised Implementation

Based on the current average transit times, the application of the Low Water Surcharge (LWC) for shipments originating from North, Central, and South America to Manaus has been revised as follows, effective until further notice:

Tariff: USD 1980 per container (all types)
Effective Date: Based on average transit time from each origin region to align with expected river restrictions.

The Low Water Surcharge is based on capacity and logistical constraints, as well as other operational costs. It may be reviewed and adjusted depending on actual river conditions and operational plans.
Possible scenarios include, but are not limited to:
Partial offload at Itacoatiara floating pier to allow vessels to continue to Manaus, in case of worsening restrictions.
Full offload at Itacoatiara floating pier if river levels fall below 15.39m and vessels cannot reach Manaus.
In case of any adjustment, a revised advisory will be issued

* Non-SPOT booking – The above rate is retrieved based on PCD. PCD = Price Calculation Date. For non-FMC, PCD refers to the scheduled departure date of the first water leg at the time of booking confirmation for non-spot bookings. For FMC, PCD is last container gate-in date for non-spot bookings.

* SPOT booking – The above rate is retrieved based on 1st vessel ETD at booking confirmation for Spot bookings.

*FMC refers to Federal Maritime Commission, trades subject to the US Shipping Act.

We remain committed to keeping you informed of any developments in navigation conditions and operations in the region.

Update 2 - Low Water Surcharge (LWC) Manaus 2025 - Revised Implementation

We continue to closely monitor river levels in the Amazon Basin. The “Rio Negro” river in Manaus began its recession period on July 9, 2025, with an accumulated decrease of 67 cm to date, which is below the historical average for this period.

Based on current data, we estimate that navigation restrictions for large vessels will be necessary starting from October 28, 2025, revising the previously communicated date of October 18.

As a result, the implementation of the Low Water Surcharge (LWC) for shipments to and from Manaus has been updated as follows, effective until further notice:

Tariff: USD 1980 per DRY container (all types).
Price Calculation Date (PCD): Based on average transit time from each origin region to align with expected river restrictions.

The Low Water Surcharge is based on capacity and logistical constraints, as well as other operational costs. It may be reviewed and adjusted depending on actual river conditions and operational plans. Possible scenarios include, but are not limited to:

Partial offload at Itacoatiara floating pier to allow vessels to continue to Manaus, in case of worsening restrictions.
Full offload at Itacoatiara floating pier if river levels fall below 15.39m and vessels cannot reach Manaus. In case of any adjustment, a revised advisory will be issued .

PCD Guidelines

• Non-FMC trades: PCD is the scheduled departure date of the first water leg at the time of booking confirmation (non-spot bookings).
• FMC trades: PCD is the last container gate-in date (non-spot bookings).
• Spot bookings: PCD is the booking confirmation date.

FMC refers to Federal Maritime Commission, trades subject to the US Shipping Act.

We remain committed to keeping you informed of any developments in navigation conditions and operations in the region.

Please note on the page below the latest river level. 

Update 1 - Low Water Surcharge (LWC) - Manaus 2025

As part of our continuous monitoring of river conditions in the Amazon region, predictive analyses indicate that navigability restrictions may begin in week 42, with the highest risk of river closure between weeks 44 and 46.

To ensure safe navigation and maintain service reliability during the dry season, and to provide a correct, clear, precise and accurate information in advance, a Low Water Surcharge (LWC) will apply to all shipments to and from Manaus, effective from the dates below and until further notice.

Tariff: USD 1980 per DRY container (all types).
For reefers, please contact your local representative.
Price Calculation Date (PCD): Based on average transit time from each origin region to align with expected river restrictions.

The Low Water Surcharge is based on capacity and logistical constraints, as well as other operational costs. It may be reviewed and adjusted depending on actual river conditions and operational plans. Possible scenarios include, but are not limited to:

Partial offload at Itacoatiara floating pier to allow vessels to continue to Manaus, in case of worsening restrictions.
Full offload at Itacoatiara floating pier if river levels fall below 15.39m and vessels cannot reach Manaus.

Important Notes

• In case of any adjustment, a revised advisory will be issued at least 30 days before the new PCD.
• The application period is based on historical patterns and current forecasts. If actual conditions differ, the price valid at the PCD will prevail.
• River Depth measures are based on official bathymetry from the National Water Agency (ANA).
• LWC application will cease when the sailing conditions return to normal by the time of the PCD.

PCD Guidelines

• Non-FMC trades: PCD is the scheduled departure date of the first water leg at the time of booking confirmation (non-spot bookings).
• FMC trades: PCD is the last container gate-in date (non-spot bookings).
• Spot bookings: PCD is the booking confirmation date.

FMC refers to Federal Maritime Commission, trades subject to the US Shipping Act.

We remain committed to transparency and service reliability. Our teams are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any changes.

For any questions or planning support, please contact your Maersk representative.