LOW WATER SURCHARGE (LWS) - MANAUS 2026
LOW WATER SURCHARGE (LWS) - MANAUS 2026
Dear Valued Customers,
Thank you for choosing Ocean Network Express (ONE) as your shipping partner.
In light of the Amazon Basin's drought history and the warnings of severe weather conditions for this year, ONE has been closely monitoring the region's hydrological status. To ensure operational transparency, legal compliance, and safety, we continuously monitor data from official agencies, such as the National Water and Sanitation Agency (Agência Nacional de Águas e Saneamento Básico - ANA), the Geological Survey of Brazil (Serviço Geológico do Brasil - SGB), the Port of Manaus, and the Western Amazon River Command (Capitania Fluvial da Amazônia Ocidental - CFAOC). The current forecasts indicate a significant reduction in water levels over the coming months. These likely adverse hydrological conditions will affect navigability and restrict maritime transport, resulting in extraordinary costs for the ocean carrier.
These costs arise from a range of exceptional measures and resources required to keep cargo moving safely. Potential actions that may be required include:
- Container transport by barge;
- Allocation of extra vessels to the service;
- Calls at alternative ports;
- Use of floating piers, including additional container handling, berthing, storage, and transfers;
- Additional tugboat and pilotage services;
- Reduction in maximum container-carrying capacity due to vessel draft restrictions resulting from hydrological limitations; and
- Other administrative and operational resources required to ensure the execution of maritime transport.
In this context, and with a focus on ensuring operational continuity, safety, and financial viability of operations, ONE will implement a Low Water Surcharge (LWS) for the 2026 season.
The application and collection of the LWS will observe the following conditions:
- Effective Period: The surcharge will apply to shipments booked on or after the dates indicated below (inclusive), provided the Rio Negro water level reaches 17.70 meters or below:
- Imports from all origins to Manaus: September 15, 2026
- Exports from Manaus to all destinations: October 1, 2026
- LWS Tariff: USD 1,458 per container (all types) This amount is subject to future adjustments should extraordinary costs change, upon prior notice.
- Services Subject to LWS: The surcharge applies to shipments to and from Manaus.
The implementation of the LWS charge at this time, as well as the defined amount, is conditional and reflects current forecasts regarding operational restrictions and extraordinary costs.
These parameters may be revised, adjusted, or canceled should new hydrological
circumstances impose additional logistical limitations—such as the need to utilize the floating pier at Itacoatiara—or if the initially expected restrictions do not materialize. In any scenario, all changes will fully comply with applicable laws and regulations.
On the dedicated 'Manaus Dry Season' page on our website, you can follow updates on the hydrological scenario and review our contingency plans. Should you have any questions, please contact your ONE Sales Representative or reach out through our digital customer service channels.
Thank you for shipping with ONE.
Sincerely,
Ocean Network Express (North America) Inc.