Stevedoring rates increase 12.2%

The Pusan Harbor Transportation Association (PHTA) demanded that stevedoring rates increase by 12.2% in 2002 based on the price index last December, current stevedoring rates, and assumed consumer prices.

Pusan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries revealed that it would pass the 2002 stevedoring rates to headquarters on January 30 after examining it.

According to PHTA, general wharves, except container-dedicated terminals, will have the 12.2% increase levied on stevedoring rates considering the stevedoring and consumer price indices.

In the meanwhile, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MOMAF) is now receiving changed rates from every regional harbor transportation association for special near-sea cargo’s stevedoring costs. As of January 30, the Ulsan and Masan branches submitted 7.1% and 7.5% as changed rates, respectively.

According to an official at MOMAF, it will approve revised rates from each regional maritime affairs and fisheries division considering consumer price increases, rates increases, and government policy strategies after consulting with the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE) this March, three months earlier than scheduled.

Though MOMAF called for a 7.1% increase in stevedoring rates last year, they only got a 5% increase after financial difficulties and price stabilization strategies from the government.