West India Trans-Atlantic lines set first 2005 rate increase

West India Trans-Atlantic lines set first 2005 rate increase    The Association of West India Trans-Atlantic Steam Ship Lines (WITASS), based in London, said it will implement a three-stage rate increase for westbound traffic in 2005.
   The first rate increase, of $200 or 150 euros per TEU, will become effective March 1. 'This will be followed by two further increases on June 1 and Oct. 1, the details of which will be confirmed nearer the time,' WITASS said in a statement.
   Citing 'extraordinary increases in system costs, particularly charter hire,' WITASS noted, 'these measures are essential to continue to provide sustainable services.'
   Carrier members of WITASS are CMA CGM, Compania Sud-Americana de Vapores, Hamburg-Sud, Hapag-Lloyd, and P&O Nedlloyd.