CSA lines increasing bunker rates

CSA lines increasing bunker rates    The Caribbean Shipowners Association said this week it would seek bunker surcharge increases in three steps over late March and mid-April, due to 'great uncertainty in the price of petroleum-based fuel.'
   CSA members will seek a surcharge on March 27 of $120 per 20-foot container, $240 per 40-foot container, and $270 per container larger than 40 feet. The lines will seek another $30 per 20-foot container, $60 per 40-foot container, and $68 per container larger than 40 feet beginning April 3, and again by the same amounts on April 10.
   'The current unpredictable and rapid escalation in fuel price requires the members of the Caribbean Shipowners Association to take prudent steps in response and inform our business partners as early as possible for planning purposes,' CSA said in a statement. 'The members of the association will continuously monitor fuel cost developments and adjust bunker surcharge levels, including rolling back these announced increases if not supported by actual circumstances.'
   CSA members are Bernuth, CMA CGM, Crowley, Seaboard Marine, Seafreight Line and Zim.