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Shipping firm Matson Navigation Co. has announced that it will be lowering its fuel surcharge for shipments between the US mainland and Hawaii, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Micronesia, effective Sunday, June 17.

Matson, Hawaii's largest ocean shipper, said that it will be decreasing its fuel charge by 3.5 percentage points, from 45.5 to 42 percent, for its Hawaii service.

The new fee is only the second to be implemented this year. It follows the surcharge rise of 5 percentage points to 45.5 percent on February 26. That adjustment followed three consecutive decreases over a six-week period between August 28 and October 9 last year.

Matson will also be cutting its fuel surcharge for shipments to Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Micronesia by 3.5 percentage points from 42 to 38.5 percent.

Commenting on the news, Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services, said: "We are pleased to be able to make this downward adjustment to our fuel surcharge, which for most customers represents a reduction in shipping costs ranging from $80 to $140 per container."

"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. Matson has made a practice of giving 30 days notice for upward rate adjustments, but passes on downward adjustments to our customers as soon as possible. We will continue to monitor fuel costs and adjust the surcharge accordingly."

Please find below a surcharge summary for Matson's Hawaii service.

Feb 4, 2008 - 31.5%
Apr 6, 2008 - 33.75%
Jul 13, 2008 - 38.25%
Aug 31, 2008 - 42.25%
Sep 21, 2008 - 37.50%
Oct 12, 2008 - 33.0%
Oct 19, 2008 - 27.0%
Nov 2, 2008 - 25.0%
Nov 16, 2008 - 19.5%
Nov 30, 2008 - 15.0%
May 24, 2009 - 16.5%
Jun 21, 2009 - 20.0%
Jul 5, 2009 - 28.0%
Oct. 4, 2009 - 24.0%
Feb. 7, 2010 - 27.5%
Jul 18, 2010 - 25.5%
Sep 12, 2010 - 21.75%
Feb 27, 2011 - 26.5%
May 1, 2011 - 43.5%
Jun 12, 2011 - 47.5%
Aug 28, 2011 - 45.5%
Sep 25, 2011 - 42.5%
Oct 9, 2011 - 40.5%
Feb 26, 2012 - 45.5%
June 17, 2012 - 42.0%