Seago to raise intra-Europe rates

Seago to raise intra-Europe rates    Seago Line, the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group's intra-Europe specialist carrier, said last week it plans to raise rates Oct. 1.
   The rate increases apply to shipments to and from northern Europe-Scandinavia-Baltic ports and Greece/Turkey, and southbound shipments from northern Europe-Scandinavia-Baltic ports to Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Black Sea ports.
   The increase is $225 per 20-foot container and $300 per 40-foot container for rates in U.S. dollars, 150 euros per 20-foot container and 200 euros per 40-foot container for rates in euros, and '125 per 20-foot container and '175 per 40-foot container for rates in British pounds.
   Seago said the increases are the minimum it plans to hike rates.
   'Despite healthy market volumes, good capacity utilization and increasing fuel costs the rate levels are at financially unsustainable levels,' the line said. 'The rate increases will vary depending on country, commodity and existing rate level. Each of our customers will during September receive specific new rate offers.'