Maersk Hikes Far East Asia Rates

Maersk Line will impose a new round of general rate increases on its Far East Asia services in January.

The Danish carrier said rates from Far East Asia to the west coast of South America, Central America and the Caribbean will go up by $560 per 20-foot container and $800 per 40-foot dry container, effective Jan. 1.

From Far East Asia to North Europe, Maersk will convert its $200 TEU peak-season surcharge slated for Dec. 26 into a GRI of the same amount starting Jan. 15.

The planned rate increase on cargo shipped from Far East Asia (excluding Japan) to ports in the Mediterranean and North Africa will be $225 per TEU, also effective Jan. 15.

The move follows a series of similar GRIs the world’s largest liner operator applied Dec. 15 on the Far East Asia-South America trade lanes.

Separately, Maersk said it will impose an emergency surcharge on containers moving to and from Mombasa, Kenya, starting Jan. 1. The proposed surcharge will be $100 per TEU and $200 per FEU.

“The port at Mombasa is experiencing heavy congestion as a result of strong volumes moving into this corridor coupled with low productivity at the terminal,” the carrier said.