U.S./AUSTRALASIA DISCUSSION AGREEMENT PLANS RATE INCREASE

U.S./AUSTRALASIA DISCUSSION AGREEMENT PLANS RATE INCREASE    Member carriers of the InterConference Carrier Discussion Agreement said they have implemented a general rate increase of $100 per TEU and $200 per FEU on shipments from the United States to Australia and New Zealand.
   The carrier group said the increase, part of its business plan for 2003, was filed with the U.S. Federal Maritime Administration to be effective April 15.
   The increase was necessary to cover increasing costs in ship operations, cargo handling, cargo security and equipment imbalances, the carriers said.
   Members of the discussion agreement are ANZDL, CMA CGM, Contship Containerlines, Columbus Line, FESCO, Maersk Sealand, Marfret, P&O Nedlloyd and Wallenius Wilhelmsen.