In a major development, A.P. Moller-Maersk has announced that they are increasing the prices for sending containers into the Persian Gulf in response to the heightened risk of military conflict in the area, reports Reuters.
Tension in the Gulf Driving This
This comes at a time when almost all major container shipping companies in increasing prices amidst safety concern that brewed because of the two oil tankers attacks in the Gulf of Oman last month and US-Iran tensions deepen.
The United States has blamed Iran for the attacks, although Tehran has denied the accusation.
Maersk’s Declaration
“Due to recent unexpected and very significant increases in key factors impacting shipping operational costs in the Arabian Persian Gulf, Maersk is implementing an emergency risk charge globally that applies to all cargo to and from the Arabian Persian Gulf,” Copenhagen-based Maersk said in a statement late on Thursday.
Extra 42$ Charge
Maersk, the world’s biggest container shipper, said it would charge an extra $42 per 20-foot container for shipments to some ports in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman.
Other Companies Raising Prices
Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), French-based CMA CGM, APL, the container shipping unit of Singapore’s Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) and German container group Hapag-Lloyd, all informed customers earlier this week that they would raises prices.
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Source: Reuters
