Container lines raise June rates sharply

Container shipping lines are pushing Asia–Europe freight rates higher in June, with MSC setting new Far East–North Europe rates at $6,000 per 40ft container from mid-month.

According to MSC’s latest customer advisory, the new rates will apply from all Far East ports, including ports in Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Black Sea from 15 June until further notice, but not beyond 30 June.

For Far East–North Europe shipments, MSC has set rates at $3,000 per 20ft dry van and $6,000 per 40ft dry van/high cube container.

CMA CGM has published Asia–North Europe FAK rates of $2,900 per 20ft and $4,700 per 40ft, high cube or reefer container for the period from 1 to 14 June. The French carrier says the rates apply from Asian ports to North Europe, including the UK and ports from Portugal to Finland and Estonia.

Hapag-Lloyd has also issued a Far East–Europe price announcement from 1 June. For Far East–North Europe shipments, Hapag-Lloyd lists rates of $2,800 per 20ft and $4,300 per 40ft or 40ft high cube container.

Maersk has separately announced a Peak Season Surcharge from Far East Asia to North Europe and the Mediterranean. The surcharge applies from 10 June for cargo from Far East Asia, excluding South Korea, and from 25 June for cargo originating in South Korea. For North Europe and Mediterranean destinations, Maersk lists the surcharge at $300 per 20ft container and $600 per 40ft or 45ft container.

Source: trans.info