Dear customer, We seem to be entering a period of unstable water levels on the Rhine river. Due to rapidly falling water levels we again reached the critical mark of 1.5 meters. As, due to the low water levels, the barge operators are restricted in the amount of cargo they can load on their barges, it is a custom of the trade that in this situation, barge operators charge a low water surcharge to their customers.
As this is a pure case of " Force Majeure " it is obvious that MSC cannot absorb this surcharge and that is must be passed on to the cargo interests for all barge and barge - road transports with effective physical execution day as from today, February 16th, 2010.
The amount to be collected, either from the shippers or consignees, is as from February 16th, 2010 = Euro 15,- / 20ft and Euro 25,- / 40ft.
This amount can vary according to the severity and duration of the low water situation.
This surcharge only applies to barge, or barge-road transports both pre and on-carriage from or to the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam to Germany, France and Switzerland via the Rhine river.
The feeder services between Antwerp and Rotterdam are not affected.
We are forced to pass this additional cost until the water levels have reached normal heights again. How long the surcharge will remain in place and what the evolution will be, further falling water levels will result in higher surcharges, is unfortunately impossible to predict.
Low water surcharge is to be collected in full unless otherwise specified in the service contract, tender agreement. Will keep you posted regarding all developments. For more info please contact : info@mscbelgium.com |
