Hong Kong's Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has announced a general rate increase on westbound transatlantic trades from April 1.

The shipping company said in a notice to customers that the increases are "essential in order to sustain our current services for this trade."

The rate increases are as follows: US$400 per TEU and $500 per FEU and 45-foot container for westbound dry and reefer cargo on all routes/loops offered from Europe to US east and Gulf coast.

For westbound dry and reefer-cargo on all routes/loops offered from Europe to the US west coast ports the increase is $500 per TEU and $700 per FEU and 45-foot container.

Rate increases for westbound dry and reefer cargo on all routes/loops offered from Europe to Canada, US destinations via Canada, and Mexico are $200 per TEU and $300 per FEU and 45-footers.