# Bunker Adjustment Factor

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> When bunker costs rise sharply, shippers see the impact on their freight invoice through the Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)—a variable surcharge that carriers apply to recover fuel cost volatility from their customers.

When bunker costs rise sharply, shippers see the impact on their freight invoice through the Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)—a variable surcharge that carriers apply to recover fuel cost volatility from their customers. It is calculated either as a flat amount per TEU or per freight ton, or as a percentage on top of the base ocean freight rate, and is revised monthly or quarterly against published bunker indices such as those from S&P Global Commodity Insights (Platts) or MOPS. BAF levels differ considerably by trade lane and vessel size: deep-sea services with large fuel consumption typically carry higher charges than short-sea or feeder routes. Shippers comparing carrier quotes should always evaluate the BAF separately, as it can materially exceed the base rate on long-haul trades. The BAF is distinct from the Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS), which some carriers levy on top of the standard BAF during sudden, extreme price spikes.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker_(fuel)#Bunker_surcharge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker_(fuel)#Bunker_surcharge)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Bunker Adjustment Factor |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 150 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker_(fuel)#Bunker_surcharge |

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