Maersk Line - Elly Maersk

Maersk Line has announced that it is increasing rates on its Middle East and Red Sea services to Europe, a result of current unacceptable levels that will prove 'unsustainable in the longer term'.

'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 Middle East and Red Sea Europe alterations are as follows:

- US$150 per 20ft dry container, effective 1 September 2009
- US$300 per 40ft dry container, effective 1 September 2009

The South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) to the Mediterranean and North Europe alterations are as follows:

- US$150 per 20ft dry container, effective 1 September 2009
- US$300 per 40ft dry container, effective 1 September 2009

The increases apply to all cargo and commodities, excluding reefers.

Last week, the group revealed that it was increasing rates on its West Africa and its Asia-Latin America services.