Some container lines are looking to recoup extra costs of complying with the 0.1% sulphur fuel regulations in emission control areas (ECAs) from 1 January 2015, through either new surcharges or adjustments to existing ones.

The 0.1% sulphur limit will apply to the North Europe and North America ECA’s from the beginning of next year, and will see lines have to switch to either using distillate fuels, which are a roughly 50% more expensive than heavy fuel oil, or invest in scrubbers.

The world’s largest container carrier Maersk Line is planning to incorporate the additional cost into its existing standard bunker surcharge. The line said it expects the surcharge to increase by $50 - $150 per feu to and from main ports, “depending on transit time inside ECA areas and whether touching ECA areas at both origin and destination”. The additional charge for reefer containers will be higher.

Maersk’s partner in the planned 2M vessel sharing agreement has meanwhile announced an ECA charge to be effective from 1 January next year. A schedule of fees varies between $5 per to $165 per teu depending on the trade.

North European feeder line Unifeeder, whose vessels operate exclusively in the North European ECA is planning to levy a EUR65 per loaded teu surcharge on all its shortsea clients.