Freight rates are expected to rise for North European short sea routes

 Shipping liner service and terminal operator Scotline has warned customers that international regulations and increased fuel and labour costs are leading to a rise in freight rates.   In a letter to customers, the Romford-based company’s director Peter Millatt warned that the North European short sea shipping market (dry cargo vessels up to about 5000 gross tons) was in a state of flux with changes and challenges coming from all sides. “New international regulations have been introduced to force shipowners to reduce carbon emissions and progressively improve the environmental efficiency of the vessels,” he ...