The Port of Hamburg has frozen its port dues for the first half of next year and is to introduce a volume-based charge from mid 2011, according to a press release. The switch is based off of similar implementations already in place at Rotterdam.
Vessels on all trades will be charged on the amount of cargo they carry rather than on gross tonnage.
Hamburg Port Authority managing director Jens Meier said: “Beginning in the summer, turnover will also be considered when calculating the port dues which so far have been solely based on a ship’s size. In taking this step, the HPA is meeting the demand of shipping companies and shipbrokers to use handling volumes as a criterion to calculate port dues as it is already done in Rotterdam, for instance.
He added: “We will all benefit from that. In boom times, the port’s revenues will rise and in times of crisis, customers of our port will save costs as port dues will be lower.”
According to financial reports, Hamburg's income from ship fees was $53.3 million in 2008, and $53.8 million in 2009.
In a statement regarding new tariffs, Meier said: “From February 1, amended terms and conditions of business will come into force so that the new system will be effective in the summer. Right now, we are discussing with the associations how to transfer data. Based on the outcome we will work out the tariff.”
Vessels on all trades will be charged on the amount of cargo they carry rather than on gross tonnage.
Hamburg Port Authority managing director Jens Meier said: “Beginning in the summer, turnover will also be considered when calculating the port dues which so far have been solely based on a ship’s size. In taking this step, the HPA is meeting the demand of shipping companies and shipbrokers to use handling volumes as a criterion to calculate port dues as it is already done in Rotterdam, for instance.
He added: “We will all benefit from that. In boom times, the port’s revenues will rise and in times of crisis, customers of our port will save costs as port dues will be lower.”
According to financial reports, Hamburg's income from ship fees was $53.3 million in 2008, and $53.8 million in 2009.
In a statement regarding new tariffs, Meier said: “From February 1, amended terms and conditions of business will come into force so that the new system will be effective in the summer. Right now, we are discussing with the associations how to transfer data. Based on the outcome we will work out the tariff.”