Mon 8 Jun 2009, 18:32 GMT

Matson ups fuel surcharge a third time


Hawaii's largest ocean shipper implements largest percentage point increase since 1999.



Shipping firm Matson Navigation Co. has announced that it is raising its bunker fuel surcharge for shipments between the US mainland and Hawaii.

Matson, Hawaii's largest ocean shipper, said that it will be increasing its fuel charge from 20 percent to 28 percent for its Hawaii service, effective July 5th.

The 8 percentage point increase is the largest single jump since the company began implementing the fuel surcharge in 1999. It is also the third consecutive surcharge increase, pushing it to its highest level since October 2008.

Matson said that it also plans to increase its surcharge by 8 percentage points for shipments to Guam/Northern Mariana Islands and Micronesia from 21.5 percent to 29.5 percent.

"As many of our customers are aware, fuel prices have risen dramatically in recent months," said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services.

"Fuel costs directly impact Matson and other transportation companies' operating costs and are an unavoidable expense. We had hoped that fuel costs would moderate, but just the opposite has occurred. We will continue to monitor fuel costs and adjust the fuel surcharge accordingly."


American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) logo. ABS introduces nuclear-ready notation for marine and offshore assets  

The classification society has released what it describes as an industry-first notation to support future nuclear conversion of vessels and offshore assets.

AiP handover ceremony for NEXTGEN Energy Hub (NGEH) design. ABS grants approval in principle for Seatrium’s NEXTGEN Energy Hub design  

The hub concept integrates ammonia bunkering, power generation and electric vessel charging in a single unit.

Jumbo Maritime crew aboard vessel. Jumbo orders two methanol-ready L-Class heavy lift vessels from Dajin Heavy Industry  

Dutch heavy lift specialist Jumbo signs newbuilding contract for two 25,000-dwt vessels.

China flag. Zhoushan completes first bonded bunker operation at Majishan port area  

The operation marks full fuel supply coverage across all general cargo terminals in Zhoushan's port system.

US dollar banknotes. Port of Long Beach launches $1m methanol bunkering challenge for oceangoing vessels  

A $1m prize aims to kick-start commercial methanol bunkering at one of North America's busiest ports.

Core Power, Athlos Energy, Deon Policy Institute and ABS logos. Greece floating nuclear study finds no fundamental barriers to implementation  

A PESTLE assessment of floating nuclear power plants in Greece identifies framework gaps, not feasibility barriers.

Northern Pathliner alongside Bergen LNG vessel. Molgas completes LNG cool-down and bunkering for Northern Pathliner at Northern Lights terminal in Norway  

Operation carried out at Øygarden facility, with K Line and Integr8 Fuels in the supply chain.

Rendering of a G2 Ocean OHGC vessel. G2 Ocean expands fleet with six future-fuel ready gantry crane vessels  

Open hatch specialist adds vessels and jet sail technology as part of a broad fleet renewal programme.

CMA CGM Adventure vessel at Port of Mombasa. LNG-powered CMA CGM Adventure makes first call at the Port of Mombasa  

Kenya Ports Authority receives its first large LNG-fuelled container vessel.

Liam Blackmore, Lloyd's Register. Maritime trio shapes IMO safety guidelines for ammonia as marine fuel  

Real-world operational experience feeds directly into new IMO ammonia fuel safety framework.