Commodity rate restoration - Europe to Asia Trade

4 February 2009

Unsustainable rates and improved demand lead to rate increases effective 1 March and 1 April 2009. The General Rate Increase will be USD 25 per TEU thus totalling USD 50 per TEU.

During the 4th quarter 2008, the industry has experienced declining freight rates in the Europe to Asia trade. A trend that has continued into 2009. In addition, hereto, there are now indicators that demand is increasing due to amongst others the weak Sterling and Euro.

As a result of increasing costs associated with the growing demand and to ensure sustainable freight rates, Maersk Line will enact a commodity rate increases for export cargo from Europe to Asia. The increase is also necessary to ensure that we can continue to support the trade and provide our customers with the service reliability and customer service they are accustomed to when shipping with Maersk Line.

Maersk Line, press release