MSC has introduced a Regional Cost Recovery (RCR) charge on shipments from Europe to the UAE and Upper Gulf markets, as demand on this trade continues to grow.
The charge has applied since 1 October 2026, based on booking date, and remains in effect until further notice:
Dry containers, 20ft and 40ft: USD 1,000 per container. Reefer containers, 20ft and 40ft: USD 2,000 per container.
This follows MSC’s expansion of its HIMALAYA EXPRESS service in August. MSC added King Abdullah Port and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and Abu Qir in Egypt, to the service, which links the Indian subcontinent with Europe and the Red Sea.
According to available information, vessels on the service continue to sail via the Cape of Good Hope instead of passing through Bab el-Mandeb.