There are indications that Maersk Line is set to impose additional cost to shippers to their quest to provide holding bays for empty containers.
The recent sanction by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) over failure of some shipping companies operating in Nigeria to acquire the facility gave rise to the action of the shipping line operating in Nigeria.
A document obtained through sources stated that Maersk Line Nigeria Limited is set to inflict obnoxious charges on Nigerians if it is to adhere to the new regime of acquiring holding bays for empty containers.
The shipping line was responding to the request by freight forwarders, seeking waivers on accumulated demurrages during the truckers’ strike that lasted 10 days.
Even though it declined to mention the amount, Maersk Line is insisting that Nigerian shippers must face the direct cost increase.
The document stated, “As you are aware, shipping companies will not store and transfer empties without a cost and this ultimately means that the importers will de facto face a direct cost increase.
“This cost include but not limited to terminal handling charges, storage fees, reposition /trucking cost from holding bay to the port etc.
“Considering the sheer volume of containers that we would have to handle from the holding bays, we would be left with no choice than to pass on this cost to customers.
“Increased tariff to access the port with shipping lines now expected to transfer units from holding bays to terminals and customers taking delivery of their full unit as well as drop off of export unit.
” We are now adding an additional truck move to access the port facility, we anticipate that this would result in an increased number of trucks looking to gain access to the port and subsequently increased traffic as indicated below.
“Stakeholders engagement and relationship : as a responsible organisations, we do take into cognisance and acknowledge the important role each individual stakeholder plays within our industry.
“In this vein, we have always ensured to continually engage all respective stakeholder on matters that directly impacts our counter to better position us for improved services to our customers, a section was dedicated to NAGAFF to introduce them to the changes and how same will support our customers,” the statement read.