OOCL to Boost Asia-to-Europe Rates

Hong Kong-based container carrier OOCL will implement a general rate increase and a peak-season surcharge on westbound trade from Asia to Europe on Dec. 15.

Rates will increase $550 per 20-foot-equivalent unit for shipments moving from the Far East (including Japan), the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East to North Europe, and $650 per TEU to ports in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

The peak-season surcharge, which will take effect Jan. 10, 2013, will be $350 per TEU.

OOCL said the rate restoration is necessary to “continue providing quality and sustainable services on Asia-Europe trade.”

The move follows a series of rate hike announcements by rival liner operators on the same trade lane, also slated to take effect Dec. 15. Planned GRIs include a $600 per-TEU hike by Zim Integrated Shipping Services, “K” Line and United Arab Shipping Company; a $550 per-TEU hike by APL, Evergreen Line and Yang Ming Line; and a $650 per-TEU increase by CSAV.

For in-depth analysis & commentary on this topic, become a JOC member