Maersk Line - Elly Maersk

Danish shipping group Maersk Line has re-announced its latest round of general rate increases, this time on Mediterranean and Transatlantic trade lines.

The move is part of the group's rate restoration programme first revealed at the end of 2009, with the General Rate changes to come into force on 1 April 2010.

The alterations will include cargo moving in both directions between US and Canada from and toEurope, the Mediterranean and Black Sea. The increase will be US$400per 20ft and US$500 per 40ft dry and reefer container.

'The trading conditions for the carriers operating in these markets arestill subject to unacceptable rate levels and the situation isunsustainable in the longer term,' the group said in a statement. 'The rate increase is necessary tocontinue to operate our services with the high level of reliability ourcustomers have come to expect from Maersk Line.'