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The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has voiced 'serious concerns' about toll increases just announced by the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), to be implemented on 1 May 2013.

For all but the smallest ships, the Suez Canal toll increases range from approximately 3% to 5% according to tonnage and ship type. These follow across the board increases of 3% which were implemented in March last year, despite industry protests.

ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe [pictured], remarked: "Most international ship operators are trading in the worst shipping markets in living memory due to there being too many ships chasing too few cargoes. This is not the time for the SCA to be announcing increases, which for some trades seem very dramatic indeed, and which many shipowners will find impossible to pass on to their customers.”

He added: "We recognise that, with pressure on Egypt’s tourism and its other economic problems, there is increased pressure on the SCA to maintain what is now the country’s biggest source of foreign revenue. But the effect of these increases will be to give a spur to those owners who may already be considering the Cape route as a serious alternative."

The ICS commented: "The route via the Cape of Good Hope is already becoming relatively less expensive as many ships resort to slow steaming in an effort to reduce costs and to deliver the reductions in CO2 emissions which are now demanded by their customers.

"Moreover, the entrance to the Suez Canal, via the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, is already unattractive due to the continuing threat of Somali piracy, compounded by instability in the Yemen. Recent events in Egypt, including riots in Ismailia and Port Said, are generating concerns about the security of the Canal itself."

“We are also disappointed by the lack of consultation that preceded these increases,” said Hinchliffe. “To the SCA’s credit, the Canal has so far continued to function smoothly. But ICS will be repeating its request for full and proper consultation between the industry and the SCA, particularly whenever toll adjustments are being contemplated.”

The ICS said its Board of Directors will be considering the matter further at its meeting in London tomorrow (February 5), together with the status of ongoing discussions between ICS and the Panama Canal Authority about a new toll structure, which is being introduced to coincide with the expansion of the Panama Canal, expected to be completed in 2014/15.