Container charges to rise in Melbourne, but port authority insists increases have been limited to inflation
Container charges will rise on the Melbourne docks, but the port authority insists increases have been limited to inflation.
Port of Melbourne wharfage charges for loaded 20-foot containers will jump 2.5 percent to $36.40 (excluding GST) on July 1, while empty containers will cost $9.20 (up 2.2 percent).
The port also charges an infrastructure levy to recover costs from the channel deepening project, with those fees to rise 2.5 percent to $32.30 (excluding GST).
Volume-based concessions still remain under the new schedule, but at reduced rates, providing discounts for vessels that have multiple sailings per week and a 50 percent concession rate for cruise shipping on normal channels (up from 40 percent last year).
Liquid carries face steeper rises, with a 15 percent hike to, the port says, “better reflect the costs incurred with the environmental considerations associated with bulk liquid services”.
Port of Melbourne Corporation CEO Stephen Bradford says the new fees balance the need for increased funding for infrastructure investment with keeping prices tied to CPI.
“We believe we have adopted a fair and prudent approach in preparing a pricing framework which supports industry alongside our commitment to the ongoing development of facilities and infrastructure for the benefit of our customers,” he says.