As part of the restoration programme announced at the end of 2009 on the Atlantic trade lines, Maersk Line has confirmed the implementation of a series of general rate increases during the fourth quarter (Q4) of the year.
The changes include cargo moving in both directions between the US and Canada from and to northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, Maersk noted, and will come into play on the 1 October.
Rate alterations are as follows:
- North Europe to and from the US: US$250/US$350 per 20ft/40ft dry and US$500 per 40ft reef
- North Europe to and from Canada: US$250/US$350 per 20ft/40ft dry and reef
- US and Canada to Mediterranean: US$200 per container
- Mediterranean to US and Canada (effective 15 October): US$200 per container
'We are pleased to note the stabilisation in the Atlantic markets so far in 2010, but despite such partial rate recovery, the current market rates continue to be unsatisfactory,' the group said in a statement. 'Maersk Line is experiencing increased costs as we are working to improve container availability during a period of general equipment shortage, while keeping focus on maintaining our high level of reliability in the broad Maersk Line service portfolio. Therefore, we continue to see the need to proceed with our already announced rate increases for Q4, 2010.'
Maersk Line added that during the fourth quarter it would announce the full 2011 programme in advance, to allow customers to plan their shipments with a full understanding of the expected rate levels.
