ASIA/EUROPE CARRIERS PREDICT FULL SHIPS FROM ASIA

ASIA/EUROPE CARRIERS PREDICT FULL SHIPS FROM ASIA    The Far Eastern Freight Conference predicts that the current situation of fully-utilized ships in the westbound trade from Asia to northern Europe will continue.
   Ship capacity will increase by about 5 percent this year over 1999, a spokesman for the conference said.
   “Indications point to a continuing recovery in trade to and from Asia with growth expected to be at least 7 percent over 1999,” the spokesman said.
   The conference released its forecast on strong trade prospects shortly before previously-announced rate increases are implemented in the Asia/Europe trade.
   The Asia Westbound Rate Agreement arm of the Far Eastern Freight Conference plans to raise westbound rates to Europe from Asia except Japan by a minimum of $150, effective April 1.
   “Rate improvements are needed to achieve adequate returns,” the conference said.
   The Asia Westbound Rate Agreement carriers are APL, CMA CGM, DSR-Senator Lines, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine, “K” Line, Maersk Sealand, Malaysia International Shipping Corp., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, National Shipping Corp. of Saudi Arabia (NSCSA), NYK, Orient Overseas Container Line, P&O Nedlloyd and Yangming Marine Transport.