Container lines appear divided on their approach to hefty bunker surcharges after shippers have reacted angrily to a move by Europe’s leading operators to implement the fees.
A leading shippers body deems the emergency charges to be introduced on 1 June by the top three liner operators as an “unwelcome legacy of the cartel era”.
Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) and CMA CGM will introduce in June “emergency” fuel surcharges of between $100 and $120 per 40-foot container (feu), but these could be higher if fuel prices continue to rise.
