COPENHAGEN: Despite Asia-Europe container trades being in the severe doldrums, near record lows, the world’s largest boxline is trying to push through an improbable 156% increase in freight rates from Asia to North Europe from September 1.
Maersk Line told customers in a memo last week seen by Reuters that it was looking to raise rates on the tradelane by $1,000 per teu. According to the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index, rates on this tradelane currently stand at a loss making $640 per teu.
Maersk is not alone in trying to push through big rates hikes. MSC and CMA CGM have announced hikes of $1,000 and $950 respectively. Smaller lines Evergreen, OOCL and K Line have also pushed for $1,000 increases.
