Huge differences have been found in the level of low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) surcharges levied by boxship lines.

Alphaliner said extra fees imposed to recoup the higher cost of the new bunkers also show "significant variations" in calculation methods - and even in the way they are named.

Its survey of surcharges on the Far East to North Europe route shows the lowest at $71 per teu and the highest nearly double that at $135 per teu.

"Alphaliner’s analysis also could not find any correlation between the relative efficiency of the various carriers based on the average size of vessels deployed and the surcharge applied by carriers," it said.

2M partners MSC and Maersk have a big difference in their approach to the route.

MSC applies a global fuel surcharge of $71 per teu, while the Danish lines adds an environmental fuel fee 63% higher at $116 per teu.

HMM charges an environmental compliance charge of $112 per teu, but does not currently operate any of its own ships on the trade.

Fueling shippers' concerns

"The wide variations in the new fuel surcharge and lack of complete transparency on their calculations is bound to fuel shipper concerns of overcharging by carriers to compensate for lower freight rates," Alphaliner said.

Earlier this month, consultancy Drewry said it was trying to shine a light on the new so-called bunker adjustment factor (BAF) fees with a new index.

It wants to bring greater transparency to fuel costs as the IMO 2020 low-sulphur deadline approaches on 1 January.

The bunker index tracker is a response to confusion expressed in recent months by both shippers and forwarders over surcharges introduced by container lines as they switch to the more expensive eco-fuel, Drewry said.

Maersk Line, for example, has said its bunker costs will rise $2bn per year.