Maersk Line - Elly Maersk

Danish shipping giant Maersk Line has announced that it is to increase rates on its transatlantic services, as they currently stand at 'unsustainable' levels.

The increases, which come into force on 1 September 2009, apply to all eastbound and westbound cargo moving between Europe, the US and Canada, according to the group.

'This rate increase is 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 filed increase is as follows:

- USD 400 per 20' container
- USD 500 per 40'/high cube/45' container

Meanwhile, the group has appointed Vincent Clerc as its new European product team head, replacing the outgoing Leo Huisman.

According to Lloyds List, the Mr Clerc will step into the role on 1 August, when Mr Huisman makes the move from Maersk Line to Dutch maritime services firm Smith International, where he will take up a position as a director.

Mr Clerc's position as head of Pacific activities will be filled by Lars Mikael Jensen, who previously led the group's operations in the Chinese market.