OOCL latest shipowner to introduce ECA-related surcharge to offset fuel costs

Orient Overseas Container Line has become the latest shipowner to unveil a per-container surcharge to offset assumed higher fuel costs to comply with stricter emissions regulations in effect from January 2015.

Next year, ships traveling within 200 miles of shore in North America and the Baltic and North seas must limit sulfur emissions from fuel to 0.1%, down from 1%, according to International Maritime Organization rules.

Shipowners have said their fuel costs will rise and they are passing those higher costs onto their customers.

Hong Kong-based OOCL said on Thursday it will levy a “low sulfur surcharge” from January 1, 2015, on routes that cross Emission Control Areas.

A Europe-US Atlantic Coast/US Gulf Coast/Mexico route will now have a $130 per 40-foot container surcharge; Europe-US West Coast will be $220/container; and Europe-Canada will be $150/container, the company said.

A number of other shipowners — Hapag-Lloyd, Rickmers-Linie, Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company — have also said they will implement surcharges.
Source: Platts