AUSTRALASIAN exporters are also copping it in the neck as carriers look to capitalise on buoyant conditions globally, even if these do not necessarily exist in local outbound trades.

From 1 July ANL/CMA CGM will apply a peak season surcharge from  Australia, New Zealand, PNG and Timor Leste to North Europe and the Mediterranean, at US$1000 per TEU and $1500 per FEU. The PSS will impact all cargo types and all contract types.

More startlingly, CMA CGM between 10 July and 31 October is levying a PSS from Africa, North Africa, the Mediterranean, Oceania, Middle East Gulf & Red Sea to US West Coast & Canada West Coast on all cargo, at US$2700 per 20′, $3000 per 40′ and $3,800 per 45′.

From 1 July Sofrana ANL will invoke a GRI applicable to all cargo from New Zealand and Australia to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu at levels of US$250 per TEU, $500 per FEU, and US$12 per RT for breakbulk cargo. “Please rest assured that this is not a decision taken lightly, however due to the current cost environment we must make this change in order to be able to provide a regular service into these areas,” the line said.

Maersk introduced a PSS from Oceania to West Central Asia, South Africa and Indian Ocean Islands on 15 June of US$200 on all dry containers, and on 1 July will add an Oceania to USA Gulf and East Coast, Central & South America PSS of US$400 per container.

And on that date MSC will add a PSS to all shipments from Australia and NZ to Africa, Red Sea and the Mediterranean at US$1100 per TEU and $1600 per FEU, as well as US$700 per container to the Middle East, US$500 to the ISC and US$300 to Asia.

“We think that the reality is that they all have been told to maximise revenue /fill vessels against a continuing background of vessel omissions /blank sailings under the razor-like focus by Principals on the various trade regions to get the best vessel /container revenue return they can,” DCN was told.

“The clear understanding seems to be that vessels will be moved from non-performing areas to those better able to meet their current visions.”