AMMAN -- Maersk Sealand, one of the international liner shipping companies, will reduce congestion surcharges on containers it transports to Aqaba by 33 per cent from Jan. 1, 2005.
According to the company's decision as reported by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, the congestion surcharges were lowered from $150 to $100 on each 20-feet container [and from $300 to $200 on every 40-feet container.
The decision includes cargoes heading to Aqaba from North and South Americas, Africa, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and India.
Jordan Shipping Agents Association President Rudain Kawar welcomed the decision hoping it will include Europe and the Far East in the near future.
"Around 80 per cent of cargoes destined for Aqaba comes from European and Far Eastern ports," he indicated.
However, Petra on Saturday quoted a source at the Danish APM Terminals, which is entrusted with operating and developing Aqaba Port's containers terminal, as saying that talks are ongoing to include Europe and the Far East in Maersk decision.
Transport Minister Saud Nsairat described Maersk decision as positive and a proof of the progress at the Aqaba Port.
"We hope the whole issue of congestion surcharges will be over soon," he said, adding that such a step will result in lowering the prices in the domestic market.
Last August, three major international shipping firms decided to reduce the congestion fees imposed on containers heading to Aqaba Port from the Far East.
PIL, APL and Evergreen, which control around 75 per cent of the traffic movement between Aqaba Port and the Far East, decided to reduce the congestion surcharges by 33.5 per cent from $300 to $200 on each 20-feet container and from $600 to $400 on every 40-feet container.
Last year, international shipping lines serving Aqaba Port imposed surcharges on containers bound for Jordan after their ships started facing delays and consequently increased operational costs.
Khalid Dalal
© Jordan Times 2004
