What is the SEI?

Shipcloud Energy Surcharge (SEI) is a unified, transparent, and data-driven surcharge model designed to replace carrier-specific pass-through mechanism. Given the extreme fluctuations of existing carrier fuel and energy surcharges (energy surcharges exceeding 20%), the traditional pass-through approach is not suitable.

The model Shipcloud uses harmonizes monthly surcharge based on publicly available European price and energy indicators, supported by a transparent methodology and robust calibration.

Why do we have an SEI?

Carrier energy surcharges vary significantly – even for comparable products within the same country. This inconsistency creates confusion, complexity, and unpredictability for our customers.

Why this approach is better:
Predictability: One surcharge for all carriers.
Fairness: Based on neutral EU data.
Transparency: Updated monthly, clearly documented.
Simplicity: No need to track 10 different carrier surcharges.
Stability: Less volatility than weekly carrier fuel tables.

Shipcloud Energy Index (example)
(160.49 + 125.7 + 100) / 3 = 128.73

Surcharge mapping
based on SEI intervals

The surcharge mapping follows a transparent 5-point interval logic. Each interval corresponds to a clearly defined surcharge percentage. The example SEI value (128.73) falls in the 125–129.99 interval, leading to a surcharge of 11.70%.