Maersk container

Danish shipping giant Maersk Line has announced that it will be implementing a General Rate Increase Schedule for the first quarter of 2011, coming into force in February and March.

On 1 February, there will be a General Rate Increase of US$200 per 20ft and US$400 per 40ft dry and reefer container on Middle East and Indian subcontinent to North Europe and Mediterranean services, the group said.

Meanwhile, on 1 March, there will be an increase of US$250 per 20ft and US$500 per 40ft dry and reefer container on the same service scope.

In a statement, the group said that recent lower rates were the reason for the move.

'Over the last two months, rates in the Middle East - Europe trade have eroded significantly,' the group noted. 'In order to maintain service levels that our customers are accustomed to, we would like to announce the General Rate Increase Schedule for Quarter 1 2011.'