NEWS FLASH

May 8, 2000
Dear NASA Member:
Re: Interim Fuel Participation Factor / Bunker Adjustment Factor - Update!

Carriers have announced they will increase the Interim Fuel Participation Factor (IFP-Westbound) &Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF-Eastbound) for all cargo from the Mediterranean Region. Please find below the current levels:

Traffic from Mediterranean via US Atlantic/Gulf Coast Ports:
Carrier / Conference Rate Effective Date

Hapag Lloyd                       $31 /20'; $62/40' April 1, 2000
Mediterranean Shipping Co. $60 /20'; $120/40' May 1, 2000
USSEC Conference             $60 /20'; $120/40' May 3, 2000
Zim Lines                           $6 /20'; $12/40' April 15, 2000
Zim Lines                           $36 /20'; $72/40' May 11, 2000

Traffic from Mediterranean via US Pacific Coast Ports:
Carrier/Conference Rate Effective Date

Hapag Lloyd                       $47/20'; $94/40' April 2000
Maersk                              $47/20'; $93/40' April 1, 2000
Maersk                              $60/20'; $120/40' May 12, 2000

The Carriers and Conferences will continue to monitor fuel prices on a regular basis and any adjustment to the above IFP/BAF levels will be advised as appropriate.

We thank you for your understanding and your support to NASA. For further information, please contact us at (732) 388-6256.

Best Regards,
Eileen Vincent
Administrator