THE Asia Australia Discussion Agreement (AADA) has announced an increase to its bunker surcharge for shipments from mainland China and Hong Kong to Australian ports to US$225 per TEU and $450 per FEU for dry and reefer containers from May 15.

This reflects a recent increase in the price of oil at Hong Kong and South Korea and customers requiring further information are to contact member lines, said the AADA statement.

"AADA members have adopted voluntary policy guidelines and have reached a non-binding consensus on the arrangement," said the AADA statement.

AADA members are: ANL, CSCL, Cosco, Hamburg Sud, Hanjin, Hyundai Merchant Marine, "K" Line, MSC, MOL, NYK, OOCL, Gold Star and Zim.