Asia/Europe carriers consider ISPS surcharge

Asia/Europe carriers consider ISPS surcharge    Shipping lines of the Far Eastern Freight Conference are discussing the possibility of introducing an International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code surcharge.
   “It’s something we’re looking at,” Rod Riseborough, chief executive of the Far Eastern Freight Conference, told American Shipper.
   The International Ship and Port Facility Security code of the International Maritime Organization, which became effective July 1, had an impact on carriers’ vessel and port costs.
   Riseborough said the potential surcharge would cover both the costs of obtaining ISPS ship security certificates and port security costs. Some terminals charge terminal security charges to carriers, while others invoice shippers, he added.
   The carrier conference expects to complete its discussion within the next two weeks. The level of the potential ISPS surcharge is unknown.