TACA raises bunker adjustment factor, citing high fuel prices

TACA raises bunker adjustment factor, citing high fuel prices    The Trans-Atlantic Conference Agreement (TACA) said it will raise its bunker adjustment charges substantially, effective Nov. 16, because of increases in underlying fuel costs.
   For traffic to, from or via U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports, the charge will rise to $210 from $160 per 20-foot container and to $420 from $320 per 40- or 45-foot container.
   For traffic to, from or via U.S. Pacific Coast ports, the fuel charge will rise to $315 from $240 per 20-foot container and to $630 from $480 per 40- or 45-foot container.
   These adjustments were based 'upon the latest monitoring of fuel prices, which have shown exceptionally high price increases,' TACA said.
   As for TACA's currency adjustment factor, 'the tariff published level, based on the latest monitoring exercise, will remain at 7 percent through, at least, Dec. 15,' TACA said.
   Conference members are Atlantic Container Line, Hapag-Lloyd Container Linie, Mediterranean Shipping Co., A.P. Moller-Maersk Sealand, Nippon Yusen Kaisha Line, Orient Overseas Container Line and P&O Nedlloyd.