Matson Navigation lowers fuel surcharge
Matson Navigation Co. announced that it will lower its fuel related surcharge by 3.5 percentage points for its services in the CNMI, Guam, Micronesia, and Hawaii following the recent cuts in bunker fuel prices, Saipan Tribune reports.
Effective Sunday, June 17, fuel related surcharge for Matson's Guam/CNMI and Micronesia services will drop from 42 to 38.5 percent while the Hawaii service will dip from 45.5 to 42 percent.
Matson's last adjustment to its Hawaii service fuel surcharge was an increase of 5 percent last Feb. 26.
Dave Hoppes, senior vice president for ocean services, said that Matson is pleased with the downward adjustment, which would mean a reduction in shipping costs of about $80 to $140 per container for most customers.
“Escalating energy costs have impacted all businesses as well as consumers, this year, with transportation companies especially hard hit. Fortunately, bunker fuel prices have moderated recently, allowing us to lower our fuel surcharge,” Hoppes said in a statement.
Hoppes noted that while Matson gives a 30-day notice for upward rate adjustments, it passes on downward adjustments to customers “as soon as possible.”
“We will continue to monitor fuel costs and adjust the surcharge accordingly,” added Hoppes.
Pump prices on Saipan have dropped by 40 cents since May 8, with the recent 20-cent price cut taking effect just last June 6.