Shipping circles bounce against port facility fees increases

Korean overseas-going shipping companies reacted against the port facilities usage fees act put forth by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

The Korea Shipowner's Association (KSA) claimed August 20, "In the midst of an overall shipping market decline and global economic recession, raising port facilities usage fees may hold serious repercussions for Korean shipping companies. The government also pushed to abolish benefits that reduce and exempt ships from port usage fees based on their entry numbers. In addition, it tried to downwardly adjust port dues and wharfage exemptions in order to revitalize domestic small and medium sized ports." The KSA suggested that the government should thoroughly review these reforms.

The KSA also claimed that it would be helpful to shipping companies if port usage fees were frozen this year and reviewed next year, considering difficulties in shipping circles as well as the current worldwide shipping recession.

A source at the KSA pointed out that in spite of difficulties in the shipping industry nowadays, the government strategies in motion at the moment will add to their burden rather than lighten it.