Peter T. Leach | Mar 21, 2011 9:21AM EDT
Crowley Maritime and Seaboard Marine, members of the Florida-Bahamas Shipowners & Operators Association, on Friday announced a two-step increase in bunker surcharges, to take effect on April 17 and May 8.
The carriers said they were announcing the two-step increases early for planning purposes. They said the increases were required by "the current unpredictable and rapid escalation in fuel price."
The surcharge on 20-foot container will increase $75 on April 17 and another $50 on May 11. The surcharge of 40-foot containers will go up $150 on April 17 and another $100 on May 8. The surcharge on equipment larger than 40 feet will increase $169 on April 17 and another $113 on May 8.
The increases come on top of the increase in fuel surcharges the association implemented on Feb. 20.
The association carriers said they will continuously monitor fuel cost developments and adjust bunker surcharge levels, including rolling back these announced increases if not supported by actual circumstances.
The association's bunker surcharge is assessed in addition to all other charges, applicable to all tariff and service contract rates between the U.S. and Bahamian ports.
-- Contact Peter T. Leach at pleach@joc.com.