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Shipping firm Horizon Lines has announced that it has lowered its bunker fuel surcharge for shipments between the US mainland and Hawaii, effective Sunday, July 15.

Horizon, Hawaii's second-largest ocean shipper, is matching its main rival Matson Navigation Co. and decreasing its fuel surcharge to Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by 3 percentage points, from 42 percent to 39 percent.

Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines also announced on Wednesday that it was lowering its fuel surcharge by 3 percentage points to 35 percent from Sunday, July 15.

Meanwhile, Matson, Hawaii's largest ocean shipper, said that it would be reducing its fuel surcharge for shipments to Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Micronesia by 3 percentage points from 38.5 to 35.5 percent.

Commenting on the fee reductions, Matson's Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services, said: "We are pleased to be able to make this second consecutive downward adjustment to our fuel surcharge, which for most customers represents a reduction in shipping costs ranging from $70 to $120 per container."

"We have been encouraged by the recent moderation in bunker fuel prices, and remain focused on diligently exploring ways in which we can maximize fuel efficiency for our Hawaii and Guam services. 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," commented Hoppes.