OOCL is joining other major container ship operators in seeking a second general rate increase this year on Asia-Europe services.
The Hong Kong-based carrier, which imposed an additional $800 per 20-foot container increase from Asia to North Europe and the Mediterranean on March 1, will push its rates up by $450 per TEU on May 1.
“The ocean freight rate for the Asia-Europe trade continues to be below the required level to cover basic operating costs,” OOCL said.
The carrier said the increase will apply to all shipments from the Far East (excluding Japan), the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East to North Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
The move follows similar GRI announcements by several other carriers, including Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Co. and United Arab Shipping, that took effect on April 1.
Separately, OOCL said it will impose an “interim fuel participation” surcharge on Europe-Asia trade lanes to cover rising bunker costs. Effective April 9, the proposed surcharge on dry and refrigerated cargo will be $212 per TEU.
The Journal of Commerce Online