EUROPE/WEST AFRICA CARRIERS INCREASE RATES
The Europe West Africa Trade Agreement carriers plan to increase freight rates from northern Europe to West Africa on Sept. 1.
Southbound rates from northwest continental ports will go up by 250 euro ($272) per 20-foot container and 450 euro ($489) per 40-foot box. Rates from British ports will increase by '100 ($153) per 20-footer and '180 ($275) per 40-foot box.
The conference said that it is introducing a congestion surcharge of 200 euro ($217) per TEU on cargoes transiting the port on Malabo, in Equatorial Guinea, because of severe delays to vessels calling at that port.
The members of the Europe West Africa Trade Agreement are Maersk Sealand, Nile Dutch Africa Line, P&O Nedlloyd, Safmarine and WAL-West Afrika Linien.