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The GRTU yesterday lamented what it described as an increase in port tariffs that will be levied on haulers when releasing containers from Malta’s ports.
The new tariff structures to be applied at the Freeport will increase exorbitantly since government has not yet reached an agreement with ship agents the GRTU claimed.
With agents still intent on charging the old tariffs, cargo haulers fear they will have to start paying ship agents as well as the Freeport.
The new costs would increase the price for the release of a 20ft container by Lm54 while a 40ft container will increase by Lm75.
GRTU director general Vince Farrugia said hauler will from tomorrow not be transporting containers from the bonded stores at the ports except those which have already been paid for.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued later in the day, the ministry for competitiveness said port tariffs for cargo handling had to decrease by five per cent as promised in a couple of months’ time.
The ministry said that the Malta Maritime Authority, as the regulatory body, would as of Monday be vigilant on all tariffs charged in the port. Without specifically mentioning ship agents, the ministry statement reiterated the same warning MMA chairman Marc Bonello had made when signing the cargo handling agreement with the new consortium.
Ship agents will not be required to charge for the handling of cargo from ship to shore any more since this will fall within the remit of the new company that took over officially at the ports yesterday.
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