# Maritime Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) Management

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> Unlike fuel costs embedded in a fixed base rate, the Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) is a variable fuel surcharge that shipping lines levy on top of ocean freight to pass through fluctuations in marine fuel prices.

Unlike fuel costs embedded in a fixed base rate, the Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) is a variable fuel surcharge that shipping lines levy on top of ocean freight to pass through fluctuations in marine fuel prices. BAF is typically recalculated monthly or quarterly and applied per container or per unit of weight or volume, depending on the carrier and trade lane. Freight forwarders must include the prevailing BAF in every rate quotation and disclose it separately to shippers, as it can shift significantly with global bunker markets. The calculation reflects fuel consumption on a given route, vessel type, and the distance between load and discharge port. Since the IMO 2020 sulphur cap took effect, many carriers have supplemented or replaced the traditional BAF with more targeted charges such as the Low Sulphur Surcharge (LSS) or the Environmental Fuel Fee (EFF).

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker_adjustment_factor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker_adjustment_factor)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Maritime Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) Management |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 140 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker_adjustment_factor |

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