Maersk Line - Elly Maersk

Danish group Maersk Line has revealed that it is implementing a general rate increase on trade lines between West Central Asia and Europe, effective 17 May 2010.

According to the shipping giant, the increase will involve those services from the United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the north of Europe and the Mediterranean.

Covering all dry cargo and waste commodities, the increase amounts to US$200 per 20ft container and US$400 per 40ft container.

'The trading conditions for the carriers operating in these markets are still subject to unacceptable rate levels and the situation is not sustainable in the long term,' the group said in a statement.

'This adjustment is necessary to continue to operate our services with the high level of reliability our customers have come to expect from Maersk Line.'