Maersk Line - Elly Maersk

Danish shipping group Maersk Line has continued its trend of increasing rates on a number of its global services with yet another round of hikes.

The group announced this week that it is upping rates on its eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea to West Africa services, with the changes coming into force on 1 October 2009.

According to the group, the changes have been made as carriers in the market are subject to unacceptable rate levels.

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

Changes on the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea to West Africa services are:

- US$200 per 20ft dry container
- US$360 per 40ft dry container
- US$200 per 20ft reefer container
- US$360 per 40ft reefer container