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Drewry Promotes Standardized BAF Policy

[ June 12, 2026   //   ]

Drewry is encouraging shippers and logistics providers to adopt a standardized bunker adjustment factor (BAF) policy as rising fuel costs and new environmental regulations add complexity to ocean freight pricing.

The maritime research and consulting firm said escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have increased pressure on bunker fuel prices, making fuel surcharges one of the largest and least predictable components of ocean transportation costs for beneficial cargo owners.

Drewry’s Standard BAF Policy is designed to provide a consistent framework for calculating fuel surcharges across carriers and logistics service providers, reducing administrative complexity while improving transparency and invoice auditing. The policy also incorporates emissions-related costs, including the European Union’s Emissions Trading System, and reflects evolving fuel strategies as carriers adopt lower-carbon alternatives.

According to Drewry, the approach has been accepted by major ocean carriers and adopted by a number of cargo owners seeking greater consistency in managing fuel-related transportation costs.

The company also offers BAF forecasting services to help shippers evaluate the impact of changing bunker prices and environmental compliance costs on freight budgets and contract negotiations.

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