Maersk Line is increasing its emergency risk surcharge for transporting containers through the pirate-infested waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
The adjusted prices will increase to $200 to $500 per 40-foot equivalent unit from $100 to $400.
Maersk Line expects its piracy-related costs to double in 2011 to $200 million to cover insurance premiums, hardship allowances and the rerouting of vessels away from high-risk zones in the region, according to Morten Engelstoft, its chief operating officer.
“In 2010, one hijacking attempt was registered every six days, and in 2011 there’s been a large increase in the activity," Nieslon said. "The problem has never been larger than right now."
Maersk Line ships make approximately 2,000 annual trips through pirate-ridden waters off the Horn of Africa.
“Piracy is bad for the shipping industry, it’s bad for global trade, and it’s important that politicians and all involved take a larger responsibility now to try to put an end to it,” Nielsen said.
The Journal of Commerce Online
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