Hapag-Lloyd has announced an increase in FAK (Freight All Kinds) ocean freight rates between the Far East and Northern Europe. This increase applies to cargo transported in 20' and 40' dry containers, including high cubes and refrigerated containers, and will take effect from April 1, 2025.

The ocean freight rates from the Far East to Northern Europe include MFR (Marine Fuel Recovery) and PSS (Peak Season Surcharge), with details as follows:

Recently, several leading shipping companies have successively announced freight rate increases and surcharges.

Maersk's official website has issued a notice of rate increases, raising FAK rates for the Far East-Mediterranean route effective from March 31, 2025; and implementing an Operational Cost Increase (OCI) surcharge for all containers from the Far East to West Africa, effective from April 15, 2025.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced new FAK rates from Far East ports (including but not limited to Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia ports) to Northern European ports, effective from April 1, 2025.

With the recent announcement by the Houthi rebels to resume attacks on Israeli ships, ongoing geopolitical conflicts may further disrupt shipping routes, supporting shipping companies' efforts to maintain rates. As the traditional peak season in the second quarter approaches, if cargo volumes recover and are coupled with capacity control strategies, it may trigger a "low to peak season" market trend. However, caution is needed regarding the downward pressure that may arise from the mismatch between capacity release and demand after April.