Americas News
Matson To Lower Bunker Surcharge
Matson Navigation Company, Inc. (Matson) today announced in an emailed press release that it is decreasing its bunker surcharge by 3.5 percentage points, thanks to a recent drop in bunker fuel prices.
The new rates, effective this Sunday, March 17, 2013, will fall from from 43.5 percent to 40 percent for its Hawaii service, and from 40 percent to 36.5 percent for its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia services.
"We are pleased 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," said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services.
"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."
Matson's last adjustment to its fuel surcharge was an increase of 4.5 percentage points, effective October 7, 2012, saying at the time that bunker fuel prices had risen over 13 percent.
