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26 May 2015
Loaded international container export charges have been held at last year’s rates while other charges have been adjusted by CPI only in the Port of Melbourne Corporation’s (POMC) 2015-16 Reference Tariff Schedule (RTS) released today.
PoMC’s modest pricing adjustments will encourage supply chain efficiency, particularly international containerised exports, and recognises the industry feedback PoMC received from its customers who highlighted supply chain cost pressures.
In addition, PoMC will absorb the forecast under-recovery of the Port Licence Fee (PLF) of around $1.0 million which will not flow through to the new tariff charges. This amount will be met through scrutiny of PoMC’s own expenditure and operational efficiencies.
While there is no change to loaded international container export wharfage, the overall tariff increase of 2.75% matches the CPI forecast announced in the 2015-16 Victorian State Budget and comes on the back of last year’s RTS adjustment of less than 1%.
Announcing the release of the Reference Tariff Schedule which will apply from 1 July 2015, PoMC Chief Executive Officer Nick Easy said:
“After seeking the views of our customers, we’ve backed up last year’s minimal price adjustment with a freeze on prices for international exporters and a moderate increase on other tariffs in line with CPI.
“This prudent pricing decision will enhance the port’s competitive position in Australia and our customer offering.
“In practical terms, wharfage charges have been frozen at last year’s rate for loaded international exports while loaded imports increase by a CPI increment of $1.78 for a loaded TEU to $66.68 (plus GST). Wharfage on empty containers increases 44 cents to $16.54 (plus GST).
“Notwithstanding the significant costs of ongoing infrastructure delivery, including the major redevelopment of Webb Dock to accommodate future trade demands, we have delivered a prudent outcome which reflects a cost competitive port and our role in Australia’s freight and logistics capital.”
Wharfage on motor vehicles increases in line with CPI by $1.04 per vehicle on average. Similarly, the CDP Infrastructure fee will increase in line with CPI.
Channel fee discounts for multi-sailing vessels such as Bass Strait operators have been retained but at a marginally lower rate. Bass Strait operators also remain exempt from the Channel Deepening Infrastructure fee for movements between Tasmania and the Port of Melbourne.
The discount on full channel fees for cruise vessels will reduce from 20% to 15%.
The prices outlined in the RTS, together with the Essential Services Commission’s regulatory regime, will remain in place for the financial year 2015-16.
The Port of Melbourne Corporation, press release