CSTA to raise bunker rates in April

CSTA to raise bunker rates in April    Member lines of the Canada Transpacific Stabilization Agreement said this week they will increase the bunker surcharge they assess on shipments from Asia by 20 percent to 30 percent beginning April 1.
   Bunker costs have skyrocketed in recent months, particularly as unrest in the Middle East sparks fears over the production and transportation of crude oil. CTSA carriers last updated their bunker surcharge Jan. 1.
   For East Coast ports, the new bunker fee will be $703 per 20-foot container, $879 per 40-foot container, $989 per 40-foot high-cube, and $1,112 per 45-footer.
   For West Coast ports, the charge will be $374 per 20-foot container, $468 per 40-foot container, $527 per 40-foot high-cube, and $592 per 45-footer.
   CTSA member lines are APL, COSCO Container Lines, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine, 'K' Line, NYK Line, OOCL, Yang Ming and Zim Integrated Shipping Services.