Relief for shippers as CMA CGM scraps container deposit charges

CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Limited has officially removed container deposit requirements for new bookings in Nigeria, effective May 21, 2025.

This means shippers in Nigeria will no longer need to pay a deposit for containers as part of their booking process.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) acknowledged this decision in a statement just as it commended the initiative, which it described as a milestone in ongoing efforts to reduce trade barriers, enhance compliance, and boost competitiveness at Nigerian ports.

According to the NSC, the development follows sustained stakeholder engagements and is a significant step toward promoting a more efficient, customer-friendly shipping environment in Nigeria.

“This policy shift is expected to ease the financial burden on shippers, reduce disputes over refunds, and further drive reforms across the maritime sector.

“The removal of the container deposit aligns with industry-wide calls for more transparent and cost-effective practices within the port and logistics value chain, ” the statement said.

In a formal communication to the Council, CMA CGM attributed the decision to valuable customer feedback received over the years.

They emphasized that the move is aimed at streamlining operational procedures, simplifying logistics, and improving service delivery.

The Council encouraged other shipping lines operating in Nigeria to adopt similar customer-focused policies in the interest of fairness, transparency, and improved service efficiency.