General rate increase in the North America to Mediterranean and North African trade

27 March 2009

Due to rates falling to an unsustainable level in the USA and Canada to Mediterranean trade, Maersk Line would like to announce a general rate increase effective 1 May 2009.

This increase is also a reflection on market developments that have created equipment shortages in some regions and delays onshore, as well as the tightening of available ocean capacity. This rate increase is necessary to continue to operate our services with the high level of reliability our customers have come to expect from Maersk Line.

The filed increase is as follows:

• USD 80 per 20’ dry container
• USD 120 per 40’ container / high cube / 45’ container

The increase applies from all origin points in USA and Canada to all destinations in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The increase applies to dry cargo only.

Based on the trends we expect to see in the coming months in this trade lane, we currently plan a subsequent general rate increase for the effective date of 15 June 2009.

The expected increase in June is as follows:

• USD 100 per 20’ dry container
• USD 150 per 40’ container / high cube / 45’ container

The subsequent increase amount is subject to change based on market conditions. We will also begin increasing our rate offers on inland haulage locations during the next months.

Maersk Line, press release