Maersk Hikes South Asia-Middle East-Europe Rates

Maersk Line announced Monday it will implement a general rate increase on westbound dry cargo moving from South Asia and the Middle East to destinations in North Europe and the Mediterranean.

In language that has become standard in the rash of rate increase announcements that carriers have issued in the last four months, the Danish line said, “The trading conditions for the carriers operating in these markets are still subject to unacceptable rate levels and the situation is unsustainable in the longer term.”

It said it will increase rates by $300 per 20-foot container and $600 per 40-foot container as of Feb. 1.