CANADA/NORTH EUROPE CONFERENCES INCREASES BUNKER, DEMURRAGE CHARGES

   The shipping lines of the eastbound and westbound conferences between northern Europe and Canada are increasing bunker and container equipment demurrage charges.
    The so-called "interim fuel participation" charge will rise to $41 (U.S.) per TEU, from $26 per TEU, on Oct. 1. A conference spokesman said that this follows the recent surge in oil prices.
    Demurrage charges, invoiced to shippers when containers remain at the carrier’s terminal longer than the allowed free time, are also going up on Oct. 1.
    The revised demurrage charge for a general-purpose container is $25 (U.S.) per 20-foot container for the first five days after the free time and $40 thereafter.
    For a general-purpose 40-foot box, the charge will be $35 for the first five days and $60 thereafter.
    Higher demurrage charges apply to reefer and tank containers.
The conferences said that demurrage charges have remained unchanged "for a considerable number of years," and the increase are needed to cover costs and ensure a prompt release of the carriers’ equipment.