Maersk Line has announced that it is to increase its piracy surcharge from April to cover the extra cost of protecting its crews from the actions of pirates.

The increased costs are related to sailing longer distances, sailing at faster speeds, increasing the number of vessels on services, increasing the size of these vessels and equipping vessels with extra safety measures and devices. Moore Shanks from the Movers Trading Club in the UK has confirmed that MTC members have been advised accordingly. 

The new surcharges are:

• Europe-East Africa (via Kenyan and Tanzanian ports), US$500 per feu; Europe-Horn of Africa (via Djibouti and Berbera), $170 per feu; Europe-Horn of Africa (via Port Sudan), $125 per feu.  
• Americas-East Africa (via Kenyan and Tanzanian ports), $400 per feu; Americas-Horn of Africa (via Djibouti and Berbera), $300 per feu; Americas-Horn of Africa (via Port Sudan), $225 per feu; (via Suez Canal) Americas-East Africa (via Kenyan and Tanzanian ports), $500 per feu; Americas-Horn of Africa (via Djibouti and Berbera), $170 per feu.
• Middle East-East Africa (via Kenyan and Tanzanian ports), $400 per feu; Middle East-Horn of Africa (via Djibouti and Berbera), $250 per feu; Middle East-Horn of Africa (via Port Sudan), $180 per feu.
• Far East-East Africa (via Kenyan and Tanzanian ports), $400 per feu; Far East-Horn of Africa (via Djibouti and Berbera), $300 per feu; Far East-Horn of Africa (via Port Sudan), $225 per feu.
• Indian Ocean Islands-Europe and Middle East, $350 per feu.

The surcharge will be $300 if cargo is routed via Jebel Ali, UAE, and zero for cargo via Suez, discharged in Jeddah for transhipment to Sudan.