BRAZIL IMPOSES SHIPOWNER REGISTRATION FEE

   The Brazilian government plans to impose a new registration fee on
shipowners, starting Sept. 30.
   The registration fee was part of legislation passed in 1997, which
introduced Brazilian Federal Police fees, known as the "Funapol tax."
   However, the fee has remained dormant until now.
   "It sent a shock-wave through the industry," said Thomas Timlen of the
Baltic and International Maritime Council, which represents hundreds of
carriers and ship agents in Brazil. "The fee caught many shipowners by
surprise, because there was no advanced warning."
   Carriers say they were unable to include these costs in their current
chartering agreements. The fee is $520 a year. Shipowners who fail to
comply with the fee will be prohibited from operating their ships in
Brazilian waters.
   BIMCO and the Brazilian National Shipping Agency Association are seeking clarification of these regulations from Brazilian authorities.