Danish shipping giant Maersk Line has announced that it is to begin the new year with further rate restorations, this time on its service from France Mediterranean ports to the US and Canada.
The increases, which will come into force on 1 January 2010, amount to US$150 per 20ft container and US$200 per 40ft container, the group said.
Maersk Line added that further rate increases are planned for the general Mediterranean to North America trade, and will come into force on 1 April 2010. These changes will be US$400 per 20ft container and US$500 per 40ft container.
'The trading conditions for the carriers operating in these markets are still subject to unacceptable rate levels and the situation is unsustainable in the long term,' the group said in a statement.
'The rate increase is necessary to continue to operate our services with the high level of reliability our customers have come to expect from Maersk Line.'
