CMA CGM ship

French shipping group CMA CGM has revealed that it is set to introduce a series of rate increases on its Transatlantic and Transpacific routes, covering all US export cargo to Asia and Europe.

The changes, which will come into force on 1 September 2009, have been implemented as part of a continued effort to provide customers with a reliable and efficient service, the group said, with current rates deemed unsustainable.

'We have implemented a rate restoration on these trades to be able to ensure the high level of reliability our customers have come to expect, to sustain our services and to maintain viable presence in the long term,' said Jean-Philippe Thénoz, vice-president of North American lines at CMA CGM.

Increases on Transpacific services are:

- US$150 per TEU and US$300 per FEU for cargo ex US Houston and Mobile Terminals
- US$25 per TEU and US$50 per FEU for cargo ex US east and west coast ports
- US$50 per TEU and US$100 per FEU for cargo ex US IPI origins

Increases on Transatlantic (north Europe and west Mediterranean) services are:

- US$240 per TEU and US$300 per FEU for CY/CY and IPI Cargo

Maersk Line has recently announced that it is increasing rates on its Middle East and South Asia to Europe trade, services to and from West Africa and those linking Asia and Latin America.