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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced that it will be extending the 20 percent port dues concession for all container ships, with port stay of 10 days or less, for another two years, from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2014.

Background

The MPA introduced new port dues concession measures in April 2009 to help the shipping industry during the current economic downturn.

The measures took the form of a 10 percent port dues concession for all ocean-going vessels with a port stay of not more than 10 days, and a 20 percent port dues concession for harbour craft engaged in commercial activities within Singapore port waters. Both measures were launched on 1 April 2009 and lasted for a period of one year.

The 10 percent concession in port dues to ocean-going vessels was extended over and above existing port dues concessions already enjoyed by the industry, such as the 20 percent port dues concession for container ships and 20 percent port dues rebate scheme for vehicle carrier operators.

The concession broadened the spectrum of vessels such as bulk carriers, tankers and other types of ocean-going vessels benefiting from the financial relief.

The 20 percent concession in port dues for harbour craft was targeted at helping the domestic sector. The concession aims to lower the business costs of port and marine services providers, such as bunker suppliers, ship chandlers, tug boat operators and domestic ferry operators.

At the start of 2009, the MPA also deferred an increase in annual port dues for older bunker tankers 16 years old and above. This was aimed at helping the bunker industry adjust to the changing business climate.

For queries regarding the port dues concession please contact Chiang Joo Jo at the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore on +65 6325 2480