Rates, N America to Mediterranean, N Africa

The general rate increase on the North America to Mediterranean and  North Africa trade which Maersk Line previously announced for 15 June  2009 will now be effective 1 July 2009.

Maersk Line has delayed the increase to coincide with the change in Bunker  Adjustment Factor (BAF), also scheduled for 1 July 2009.  By combining the rate increase and the BAF into a single event, Maersk Line will simplify tariff and contract maintenance, reducing complexity for customers.  The new amounts of the BAF surcharge will be communicated separately. This increase is also a reflection of market developments that have created equipment shortages in some regions and delays onshore, as well as the tightening of available ocean capacity. This rate increase is necessary to continue to operate our services with the high level of reliability our customers have come to expect from Maersk Line.

The filed increase is as follows: - $120 per 20 ft container - $200 per 40 ft container/high cube/45 ft container The increase applies from all origin points in USA and Canada to all destinations in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The increase applies to dry cargo only. Separately, Maersk Line will begin increasing our rate offers on inland haulage locations during the coming months to ensure our inland costs are fully recovered.