International shipping is going to get more expensive shortly as the Suez Canal Authority is imposing a 12% increase on existing surcharges on transit dues for all ships (except passenger ships) from 15 July.
According to the International Chamber of Shipping, the 12% increase in existing surcharges which are imposed on top of transit dues, amounts to total transit surcharge fees for each vessel type as follows:
• Crude oil and product tankers: Laden: 37% / Ballast: 27%
• Chemical Tankers and Other Liquid Bulk Tankers (laden/ballast): 32%
• RORO vessels (laden/ballast): 26%
• LPG carriers (laden/ballast): 32%
• LNG carriers (laden/ballast): 19%
• Dry bulk (laden/ballast): 22%
• Containerships (laden/ballast): 12%
• General Cargo Vessels, Multi-Purpose Vessels, Heavy Lift Vessels (laden/ballast): 26%
• Vehicle Carriers (laden/ballast): Northbound: 26% / Southbound: 12%
• Special Floating Units (laden/ballast): 26%
• Other Vessels (laden/ballast): 26%
It is notable that the Suez Canal Authority Surcharges do not include details about the rationale or methodology behind the increase.
The International Chamber of Shipping has stated that it is currently seeking clarification from the Authority about the rationale and the methodology behind the increase, and has sought clarity on the lack of prior consultation from the shipping industry, and is seeking a minimum of six months’ advance notice.