Cargo Diversion Surcharge (CDS)

Due to the facility lock out at Montreal and subsequent diversion of vessels to Halifax, customers have the choice to terminate cargo at Halifax, and arrange onward inland transportation themselves, or allow OOCL to continue to move cargo to the final destination subject to a Cargo Diversion Surcharge (CDS). 

The following CDS surcharge will be applied to all dry westbound cargo moving over the Halifax gateway. In order to simplify the process we have banded the respective rail ramps in distinct groups based on last inbound hub. The details are as follows:-

The CDS will be applied over and above any existing rate agreement for transport to the final destination, the diversion to Halifax and recovery of additional costs being covered by clause 17 of our Bill of Lading terms and conditions. Diversion costs for reefer cargo will be advised separately.

By default, our import customer service department in Canada will collect the CDS from cargo interests at destination, for both Collect and Prepaid shipments. However, customers in the UK and Ireland wishing to pay the charge locally should contact us to make suitable arrangements.

The SLCS partners will continue to plan westbound voyages based on the draft restrictions of the St. Lawrence, thus enabling the vessels to return to Montreal at the earliest opportunity. Therefore the Low Water Surcharge (LWS) will continue to apply.

For any further information, kindly contact your Area Sales Manager or local Customer Service Centre.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of OOCL.