Maersk changes European terminal handling charges

Maersk Line has changed its terminal handling charges in Europe from October 18.

The charges are listed in different currencies, but those in euros range from EUR60 (US$81) for dry and reefer containers in Latvia to EUR195 for dry containers and EUR290 for reefer boxes in France .

The charges for a given port will apply to all trades and will be valid for both import and export cargo. Maersk said this will reduce the number of THCs, giving customers a better overview of the charges that apply to their shipments, said a company statement.

Maersk said it plans to eliminate frequent changes by reviewing the charges once a year. The "actual cost picture has formed the basis for our new THC levels. We are introducing fair charges that reflect expenses related to terminal handling," said the Danish carrier.

Zim divides offering, forms new transpacific APX service

Zim has announced it is dividing its Asia/Mediterranean/Pacific (AMP) pendulum service and forming a new transpacific APX system instead, which will involve the deployment of five ships in the 3,500-TEU range.

The port rotation will be: Shekou, Hong Kong, Shanghai , Pusan , Vancouver and Shekou.

The first eastbound sailing from Shekou will be on November 4 by the Zim Kingston, returning westbound will be the first sailing from Vancouver on November 22.