Two more rate increases for Maersk

Two more rate increases for Maersk Maersk Line has announced rate restoration programs for another two trades at the start of 2007.
   Effective Feb. 1, the Danish carrier will seek a minimum increase of $200 per TEU for cargo moving from the East Coast of South America to Europe.
   'The above increase is a consequence of the rate erosions we experienced in 2006. We intend to restore the rates to a level where we can address cost increases and continue to offer our customers reliable and dedicated services,' Maersk said.
   From the Far East to South Africa (including the Indian Ocean Islands), Maersk and its sister company Safmarine Container Lines, plan to stagger three rate increases throughout the year:
   * April 1, $150 per TEU.
   * July 1, $150 per TEU.
   * Oct. 1, $100 per TEU.
   The two carriers will also apply a peak season surcharge in the trade from Aug. 1 to Nov. 30.
   'Transportation costs have increased significantly these last years. The announced rate increases will assist in compensating for these increases and enable us to continue to maintain and develop our reliable and dedicated services on the Asia/South Africa trade,' the carriers said.
   Maersk Line has made similar rates restoration plans for the start of the year in the transpacific, transatlantic, southbound-Europe-to-Oceania and Asia-to-West Africa trades among others.