Unsustainable rates and improved demand lead to rate increases effective 1 March and 1 April 2009. The General Rate Increase will be $25 per TEU thus totaling $50 per TEU.
During the Q4 2008, the industry has experienced declining freight rates in the Europe to Asia trade, a trend that has continued into 2009. In addition, hereto, there are now indicators that demand is increasing due to amongst others the weak Sterling and Euro.
As a result of increasing costs associated with the growing demand and to ensure sustainable freight rates, Maersk Line will enact a commodity rate increases for export cargo from Europe to Asia.