CMA CGM stated that starting from January 15th (loading date at the port of origin), FAK rates will be imposed on all major Asian ports to all basic Mediterranean ports, including the Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Adriatic Sea, Black Sea, and Syria, for dry containers, OOG special containers, refrigerated containers, and paid empty containers, at $3500-3650 for 20 foot containers and $6000-6300 for 40 foot containers, until further notice.

Peter Sand, Chief Analyst of Xeneta, also pointed out that since mid December, the freight rates from the Far East to the Mediterranean have almost doubled. Xeneta predicts that as long as international shipping through the Red Sea and the Strait of Mandela is not fully free and safe, freight rates will continue to rise.