THE world's largest ocean carrier, Maersk Line, and its subsidiary Safmarine, have announced rate increases for 2007 on the Asia to South Africa trade.

Starting April 1 the increase will be US$150 per TEU from the Far East to South Africa, including the Indian Ocean islands. The rate increase will remain the same from July 1, but the increase will fall to $100 from October 1.

The two shipping lines also said they will apply a peak season surcharge from August 1 to November 30.

A joint statement from the two carriers explained that transportation costs had increased significantly in the last few years. "The announced rate increases will assist in compensating for these increases and enable us to continue to maintain and develop our reliable and dedicated services on the Asia-South Africa trade.