Ocean Network Express (ONE), the container liner alliance of Japan's three largest boxship operators, becomes the latest to ask for a bunker surcharge due to escalating fuel prices.
The Singapore-based alliance said "progressive and significant inflation of fuel costs over recent months" is behind the move, with bunkers increasing more than 25% during 2018.
ONE, the conglomeration of 'K' Line, MOL and NYK, warned that prices could "escalate still further."
"The escalating cost situation has now reached the point at which ONE are forced to respond by adjusting our approach to bunker related pricing components," the company said.
ONE says the bunker cost recovery surcharge will vary by port of embarcation, except for export cargo from mainland China, and port of delivery for the containers.
The move by ONE makes the bunker surcharge almost universal across the industry, with Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM also implementing bunker surcharges. The additional charges have been met with consternation by shippers.
