Containerships with a capacity over 3,000 teu will be charged 5% less than in 2007, while additional savings will be available to operators based on growth in box throughput. In a further move, new volume-based dues for inland waterways container traffic promise average cuts of 35% on the current tariff.
Ro-ro vessels of more than 35,000 cu m will qualify for a 25% reduction on 2008 rates as part of a strategy to boost activity in the Marseilles harbour area.
For the fourth year running, the overall increase in published port dues – 0.6% below European Commission inflation forecasts – stems from a sliding scale of +1% for sectors generating a net profit for the port, +1.5% for breakeven activities and +2.5% for those in deficit. The Marseilles basin increase has been pegged to 1% for all users regardless of profitability.
Under plans to encourage a Motorways of the Sea modal shift, the port has also launched an all-inclusive rate per ship for future short-sea services.
