China raising port handling fees

The Chinese government is raising fees at its ports, imposing a 15 per cent increase in container handling fees. At the same time, however, the 20 per cent port fee premium for intra-regional service vessels will be abandoned.

The abolition of the port fee premium was reportedly due to pressure from Japan.
Actual charges will depend on agreements between port administrations and carriers and determined on an individual basis.

A five per cent raise in tug boat fees will also be imposed, along with a 15 per cent hike in pierage. However, discounts may be granted for pilot fees, pilot waiting time fees, moorage and tug boat fees, and container handling fees.