Palace approves halving port charges on vessels

Palace approves halving port charges on vessels
Genivi Factao September 16, 2020 https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/09/16/business/maritime-business/palace...

Malacañang has approved a 50-percent reduction in port charges imposed on vessels docking at Port Capinpin in Bataan as a government’s response to enable crew change and ensure a continued movement of the global supply chain.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, in a memorandum, approved the request of the Department of Transportation (DoTr), through the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), which sought the reduction in charges levied to vessels deviating to the country for a much-needed change of crew.

“Considering the health, safety and well-being of Filipino crew members, please be informed of the approval of the recommendation of the PPA to reduce by 50 percent the port charges, such as port dues, dockage-at-anchorage, dockage-at-berth and lay-up fee.

The reduced rates apply only to ships docking at the Port of Capinpin for a crew change, “ Medialdea said.

The Office of the Executive Secretary, by authority of the President, sent the memorandum to both the Office of the Transportation Secretary and the Office of the PPA General Manager on September 2, for proper implementation.

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said the ports of Manila, Bataan and Subic were opened for international crew change and that the country is looking forward to the opening of its other international ports for this purpose.

Marina Administrator Robert Empedrad said the maritime sector has been working diligently to activate crew change hubs in the country to give maritime vessels the avenue to refresh their manpower and to provide relief to our hardworking seafarers.

“Seafarers are the lifeline of the world’s economy as such they are our essential workers. In the Philippines, our seafarers are our indispensable partners for our country’s economic development,” Empedrad said.