Hapag-Lloyd latest to announce transatlantic rate hikes

Hapag-Lloyd latest to announce transatlantic rate hikes    Hapag-Lloyd has reacted to the rate restoration plans of transatlantic rivals Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Co. by announcing its own rate increase in the North Europe-to-North America trade.
   From Feb. 1, the German carrier will raise its freight rates for the North Atlantic and for the U.S. Gulf and U.S. West Coast by $200 per TEU and $250 per FEU.
   “Freight rates have come under pressure in recent months with the entry of new players into the North Atlantic market. Moreover, costs, particularly for charters, bunkering and additional security measures, have risen,” Hapag-Lloyd said.
   Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk and MSC are the three biggest players in the trade. Earlier this month Maersk and MSC both announced that they would seek a minimum increase of $300 per container in the transatlantic by Jan. 1.
   Hapag-Lloyd said it also plans to rationalize its ship capacities for North America services next year.