Europe/West Africa lines raise rates

Europe/West Africa lines raise rates    Shipping lines of the Europe West Africa Trade Agreement said that they plan two-step increases in their northbound rates.
   Effective Oct. 1, the carriers want to raise rates for cocoa beans by 5 euros (about $6) or '3 per freight ton, and rates for conventional cargo by 7.50 euros (about $9) per freight ton.
   On Jan. 1, 2005, the conference carriers also intend to increase rates by 150 euros ($181) or '100 per 20-foot container, 270 euros ($325) or '180 per 40-foot box, and 5 euros (about $6) or '3 per freight ton for conventional cargo.
   The members of the Europe West Africa Trade Agreement are Delmas and its affiliate OT Africa Line, Maersk Sealand and sister company Safmarine, and Nile Dutch Africa Line.