APL volume surges

APL, the liner shipping subsidiary of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines, handled 307,400 FEU in the six weeks from December 26th, 2009 to February 5th, 2010.

Container shipping volumes increased 63% while average revenue per FEU declined 9% over the same period last year. The improvement in volume was due to higher volumes lifted in all trade lanes and stronger pre-Chinese New Year shipments. However, average revenue per FEU declined 9 percent year-over-year, to $2,417.

NOL said that lower average revenue per FEU was due to lower core freight rates, particularly on the Transpacific and changes in trade mix, partially offset by improvements in Asia Europe rates.

However, average revenue per FEU improved by 10% compared with the previous six-week period ending Dec. 25 due to increased freight rates on key trade lanes and the implementation of the "Emergency Revenue Charge" on the Transpacific on January 15th,2010.