Colombo feeders to hike charge from August 10

Feeder operators serving Port of Colombo from ports in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Middle East - Bengal Tiger Line, Far East Shipping Lines, Orient Express Lines, Orient Shipping Services, PACC Container Line, Samudera Shipping Line, Sea Consortium and Simatech Shipping - have announced an increase in bunker surcharge increase, starting from August 10.

In a notice to the trade, the eight-member group said the surcharge will increase to $150 per TEU for all laden and empty containers feedered to and from Colombo.

The operators said the revision is necessary to cover additional costs and the surcharge will remain in force until average monthly bunker fuel prices stabilize below $400 per metric tonne.

The existing fuel additional fee, implemented earlier to offset normal fluctuations in bunker prices, will continue to apply, the notice added.