Maersk confirms transatlantic hike

Maersk confirms transatlantic hike    Maersk Line on Tuesday reaffirmed plans to implement a general rate increases for the second half of 2010 for cargo moving between North America and Europe, the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
   The increases are part of a rate restoration program for the North Atlantic trades announced at the end of 2009.
   The increases will be $400 per 20-foot containers and $500 per 40-foot container on July 1 for cargo moving to and from the United States and Canada. It applies to both dry and reefer containers.
   The company said it will also add a general rate increase in October, but the amount will depend on the trading conditions in the second half of the year.
   “Based on the dynamic market conditions experienced so far in 2010 we are pleased to see a degree of stabilization with partial freight rate recovery,' the Danish carrier said. 'However, transatlantic trading conditions are still subject to unsatisfactory rate levels that have now been further aggravated by a general shortage of containers resulting in higher cost associated with positioning containers to where our customers need them for export. The situation remains unsustainable in the longer run. Rate increases are therefore necessary to continue to operate our services with the high level of reliability we wish to offer our customers.”