Five Carriers' EFS Go Live Today. TS Lines Confirmed. Costs Keep Rising.

Monday 23 March 2026 — The most consequential day of the conflict so far for shipping costs — and potentially for the strait itself.

Today is a day of deadlines. Five emergency fuel surcharges are effective from loading dates commencing today. A US presidential ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz expires tonight, Australian time. And a new carrier — TS Lines — has confirmed its own EFS, adding to the longest list of simultaneous surcharge notices the Australian freight industry has ever seen.

The Ultimatum — What It Means for Shipping.

On Saturday, 21 March, President Trump issued a public ultimatum via Truth Social, giving Iran 48 hours to 'fully open, without threat' the Strait of Hormuz or face further consequences. That deadline expires at approximately 11:44 am AEST on Monday, 23 March — today.

At the same time, Trump stated that he does not want a ceasefire with Iran. 'We could have dialogue, but I don't want to do a ceasefire,' he told reporters. He also said separately that the US is 'considering winding down' military efforts, having met objectives 'weeks ahead of schedule' — contradictory signals that reflect the unpredictable nature of the current conflict.

Iran's Foreign Minister confirmed the strait is 'open, but only closed to enemies' — meaning non-Western-flagged vessels with permission-based transits continue. Iran also confirmed it would respond to any attack on its energy infrastructure by targeting US energy assets in the region.

The commercial reality for Australian freight is unchanged: no Western carrier is transiting Hormuz. Cape of Good Hope rerouting remains in effect. The ultimatum may escalate or de-escalate the situation — but neither outcome changes the fundamental Cape rerouting cost structure that is now baked into freight rates.

International response:

•      22 nations issued a joint statement condemning Iran's closure of the strait and attacks on commercial vessels.

•      Six allies (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands) said they are ready to 'contribute to appropriate efforts' to ensure safe passage — but Germany and Italy clarified this means post-ceasefire, not now.

• The UN Secretary-General called for the strait to be reopened; the UN offered to help facilitate.

•      Iran's FM offered to facilitate passage of Japanese vessels, signalling continued selective permission-based approach.

•      Trump says no ceasefire — but is talking about 'winding down.' The situation remains genuinely fluid.

Today's EFS — Five Carriers Effective 23 March.

The following Emergency Fuel Surcharges all take effect today on Australian and New Zealand trade lanes. Any quote issued before today that does not include these charges is now out of date.

Tomorrow (24 March): ONE Line and Swire Shipping EFS effective. Wednesday (25 March): Maersk EFS effective. Saturday (28 March): HMM EFS effective.

TS Lines — EFS Confirmed This Morning.

An Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) notice for TS Lines was received this morning from Seaway Agencies Pty Ltd, the Australian representative for TS Lines, covering all exports from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. TS Lines is a Taiwanese container carrier operating primarily on Australia–Asia trade lanes, including Australia to China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia and Japan. The specific rate quantum is contained in the attached notice — contact DDWL or your TS Lines representative for the applicable rate for your trade lane and equipment.

Full Updated EFS Table — All Carriers as at 23 March 2026.

Now includes TS Lines. 15 carriers tracked.