African ports’ congestion triggers carrier surcharges

African ports’ congestion triggers carrier surcharges    Congestion at several ports of West Africa has led shipping lines of the Europe West Africa Trade Agreement to announce the introduction of southbound congestion surcharges.
   The carrier group said that, effective July 21, the following congestion surcharge levels will be charged for container cargoes to West Africa:
   * For Cotonou, 25 euros or '18 per TEU;
   * For Luanda, 50 euros or '35 per TEU;
   * For Tema, 100 euros of '70 per TEU;
   * For Malabo, 200 euros or '140 per TEU;
   * And for Onne and Port Harcourt, 375 euros or '263 per TEU.
   Surcharges will also apply to roll-on/roll-off cargoes, at different levels.
   The carriers of the Europe West Africa Trade Agreement are Maersk Sealand, Safmarine, Nile Dutch Africa Line, P&O Nedlloyd and West-Afrika Linien-Dienste.