With the new tariff scheme the Panama Canal Authority intends to exploit economies of scale by encouraging the passage of vessels at maximum capacity with lower rates.
The proposal by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP by its initials in Spanish), indicates in short, that larger capacity vessels would agree to transit the neopanamax locks in order to access best rates and take advantage of economies of scale. On the other hand, "... If a customer wants to transport a number of TEUs that can pass through the panamax locks, it will be more convenient for them to go through the current Canal."
Presenting it as a way of promoting the expanded Canal, shipowners have asked the Canal Authority to charge different rates depending on the type of cargo being shipped.
Among the comments submitted by four companies highlights the establishment of special rates to stimulate the shipping market, such as for vessels that require some kind of repair and other fees for ships carrying liquefied gas. It is expected that in April the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), will announce the new toll structure.
Starting from May 15, rates will be raised on goods transported to the Far East, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and the East Coast of South America.
Beginning May 15, the Danish shipping company Maersk Line said its rates for the Far East (excluding Japan), the Middle East and the Sub Indian continent will see an overall increase of $500 per 20-foot container and $1,000 per container measuring 40 feet, 40 feet HC, and 45 feet of dry cargo.
The shipping company has announced a rise in service fees for transporting refrigerated containers from Central and South America and Africa.
In 2011, as result of the high prices of bunker fuel, the shipping company increased its fares for regular (dry) containers by 30%, on routes serving Latin America.
The high price of bunker fuel is requiring carriers to update their tariffs, increasing the costs for exporting and importing, affecting international trade.
The cost of sending goods from, say, Costa Rica to the United States has risen significantly due to increased bunker fuel prices, the price of which was quoted at the beginning of the week at $600 a barrel.
The Salvadoran Association of International Cargo Transport has announced that from next week there will be an adjustment in freight prices.
Raul Alfaro, president of the Salvadoran Association of International Cargo Carriers (ASTIC), said that what carriers want is an adjustment of freight prices, which they have avoided for a long time despite increases in the price of diesel.
In Nicaragua, the transport companies are warning of a 50% increase in charges caused by the continuing rise in fuel prices.
Freight transportation businesses operating in the country and in Central America are warning of a likely increase of 50% from the current rate, while inter-city transport operators want an increase of more than 35%.
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