UK ports plan surcharge to cover security costs

JOY ORLEK
CERTAIN OVERSEAS ports have revealed plans to pass on the additional costs incurred for compliance with the International Ship and Port facilities Security code due to be implemented by June 30 this year.
From next month, Felixstowe and Thamesport owner Hutchison Ports is set to charge clearing agents £10.50 per import container, according to UK-based trade journal IFW. Exports will be charged £5.50 per container. Other UK port operators are expected to announce shortly how they intend to recover the costs of installing new equipment, systems and personnel.
There’s been no word of surcharges from SA Port Operations, a fact confirmed to FTW by shipping lines.
The ISPS code has been introduced by the International Maritime Organisation to cut down on world terrorism and will become mandatory for all ships above 500 gross tonnes at all ports worldwide from July this year.
Compliance demands that ports fence entire perimeters and secure entry points to keep out anyone without a legitimate reason to be in the port.