EBS Surcharge (Emergency Bunker Surcharge)

The Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS) is a temporary additional charge imposed by shipping lines when fuel prices spike rapidly and unexpectedly. Unlike the regular BAF which adjusts periodically, EBS is implemented as an emergency measure when bunker costs rise faster than normal adjustment mechanisms can accommodate.

EBS is typically imposed when: • Global oil prices surge due to geopolitical events • Supply disruptions affect major bunkering ports • Sudden market volatility makes regular BAF insufficient

This surcharge is designed to be temporary and is usually removed or absorbed into regular BAF once fuel prices stabilize. However, in practice, once introduced, EBS often remains in effect longer than initially anticipated.

EBS is common on Asia-Europe and Transpacific routes where the impact of fuel cost fluctuations is most significant due to long voyage distances.