MSC proposes sizable bunker fees

   The liner carrier Mediterranean Shipping Co. said it will asses steep bunker surcharges on the eastbound transpacific and westbound Asia-Europe trades from early October.
   From Oct. 4, the line will asses a fee of $419 per 20-foot container and $523 per 40-foot container on shipments from Asia to the U.S. West Coast and $762 per 20-foot container and $953 per 40-foot container from Asia to the U.S. East Coast. The proposed fees would be equivalent to about 20 to 25 percent of current spot market rates on the eastbound transpacific.
   From Asia to all parts of Europe, MSC’s surcharge will be $900 per TEU, including Black Sea, Baltic, Scandinavian, and North African destinations, effective Oct. 1. The proposed fee would be equivalent to about two-thirds of the current spot market rate on the Asia-Northern Europe and Asia-Mediterranean trades. – Eric Johnson