New research highlights low customer service and poor time-keeping in container shipping industry

The deadline for sealed bids to acquire the vessels of collapsed cross-Channel ferry operator SeaFrance, whose assets are now in the hands of the liquidator, has been set for 4 May.

While carriers have successfully implemented rate increases to improve their battered financial position, threats still exist that could de-rail this, according to Drewry’s latest quarterly Container Forecaster report.

A senior member of the European Shippers’ Council (ESC) says the air cargo industry’s practice of surcharging is an easy means of fixing prices and should be overhauled.

Controversial container freight rate increases – due to be implemented on the Asia-Europe trade today – appear to be taking effect, although market commentators are uncertain over how successful the price hikes will ultimately be.

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment is expanding the Maasgeul to prevent waiting times for ships entering the port of Rotterdam.

Scepticism over container lines’ freight rate hikes persists, although Maersk’s announcement on Friday that it is to reduce its Asia-Europe capacity by 9% could help GRIs gain traction.

The US port of Virginia is expanding its Green Operator (GO) programme to provide incentives to ocean carriers that burn ultra low-sulphur fuel or use alternative power technology while their vessels are moored at port authority-owned terminals.

Container lines’ attempts to raise prices on the Asia-Europe and transpacific trades stand a good chance of success, according to freight derivative brokers at Clarkson Securities.

Dutch shippers organisation EVO has slammed the latest round of freight rate hikes on Asia-Europe trades.