Maersk Line has announced that it is ramping-up rates on its Asia-West Africa trade lines, with changes to be made to various services in both July and August.

The container shipping group – a member of the Asia-West Africa Trade Agreement (AWATA) – said that it has opted to increase rates for carriers as they are currently subject to 'unacceptable rate levels' which are 'unsustainable' in the longer term.

On Maersk Line's Middle East and South Asia to West Africa service, rates will increase by US$150 per TEU on 1 July 2009.

Meanwhile, the group's Far east to West Africa service will see a jump of US$300 per TEU, effective 1 July 2009, and an increase of US$250 per TEU on 15 August 2009.

'The rate increases are necessary to continue to operate our services with the high level of reliability our customers have come to expect from Maersk Line,' the group said in a statement.

The AWATA also includes China Shipping Container Line, CMA CGM, Delmas, Gold Star Line, Mitsui OSK Line, Pacific International Line and Safmarine.

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