CSAV volume slumps, rates rise

   The liner carrier CSAV saw its volume in March plummet compared to the same month in 2011, but also saw its average revenue per TEU rise to a 16-month high.
   In a monthly operational update, the Chilean carrier said its container volume in March was 146,100 TEUs, 52.7 percent lower than in March 2011. It was also CSAV’s lowest volume in a single month since June 2009, a point at which the line significantly ramped up its capacity.
   It has since drawn down its capacity and joined operational alliances with Mediterranean Shipping Co. and CMA CGM. Those measures do seem to be working on the revenue side.
   CSAV said its average revenue per TEU in March was $1,797, up 11.9 percent on March 2011, and was the highest average level since November 2010.