Additional RB berthing cost ‘fair’

The decision by the Port of Richards Bay to charge an additional berthing cost when shifting a vessel from one berth to another inside the port will not result in a major cost increase. Transnet National Ports Authority last week announced the increase in berthing charges for shifting a vessel within the Port of Richards Bay as per the tariff book. Until now the port has invoiced only one berthing charge when a vessel is moved within the port along with one craft assistance charge and one pilot assistance charge. With effect from April 1, the invoice will now be for two berthing charges and one pilot charge and one assistance charge. While some in the industry have reacted against further cost increases, others are not too fazed by the TNPA decision, saying it is only fair to pay for berthing costs when shifting a vessel as the linesmen have to untie the vessel at one berth and then re-tie it at a second berth, which is in fact two services. According to an industry source, the average cost for berthing at Richards Bay is around R1600 while the pilotage service is in the region of R15 000 and the craft assistance about R40 000. “Essentially it means a cost increase of R1600 when a vessel is shifted and when one looks at the costs involved then it really is not a substantial amount,” said the source. “Quite honestly it makes sense for Transnet to charge for two berthing charges as that is the service they are offering.” According to TNPA in Richards Bay the charge will not be applied retrospectively but rather with effect from April 1 this year in line with the tariff increase date.