UAE terminals plan fee increases

Dubai, Dec 11, 2008 (WAM) - Container terminals in the UAE are increasing their handling and storage fees between 10 per cent and 150 per cent to help ease pressure at limited berthing spaces in the wake of growing cargo volumes and shortage of manpower according to a report in “Emirates Business.” The move is consistent with the trend at various regional and global ports that have already increased tariffs for various services, with plans for further increases at the beginning of 2009. Hamriyah Offshore Terminal in Sharjah has already increased its tariffs by 67 per cent for all tankers calling at the terminal. Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) is also planning to increase port handling and storage fees by 10 per cent starting January next year.