THE COST of seafreight has just been bumped up again – with shippers getting hit with increased fuel surcharges as the international price of oil continues its upward spiral. Shipping lines on all SA’s main sea trades have, or are about to increase their bunker adjustment factors (BAF) in response to the rising fuel prices. With anti-trust measures now in place in the shipping industry, it should be noted that individual carriers set their own BAF levels. “While these rates tend to be very similar to each other,” according to an industry source, “variations between competing carriers do occur.” West African port congestion is also pushing up seafreight costs – with congestion surcharges on cargo from SA being increased for seven ports on the west coast from December 1. Luanda – the most congested of the ports, and with ships waiting up to 30- days to berth – now faces a surcharge of US$400/teu; Cotonou and Pointe Noire: US$140/teu; Tema, Onne and Dakar: US$105/teu; and Lome: US$70/teu.
