APL, the shipping line of Singpaore's Neptune Orient Lines Limited (NOL), says that is has to raise its global reefer rates next year despite investment in energy-efficient vessels and state-of-the-art equipment, Ship & Bunker reports.
"Rates are currently at unsustainable levels, and we face the challenge of escalating operational costs, which show no signs of abating," it said.
Effective January 7, 2013 APL will implement a rate increase of $1500 per forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU) on all refrigerated cargo shipments on a global basis so it can continue to "be able to provide the same standard of service."
Some shipowners have questioned the true savings benefit of the so called ECO-ships, while others such as reefer shipping line Pacifica Shipping continue to invest in the new vessels.
Last month business advocacy group Export New Zealand expressed its concern over rising reefer rates after news of a 25 to 30 percent rate hike in 2013 for refrigerated containers from New Zealand to Asia.
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