Hutchison, British shippers discuss security surcharge

Hutchison, British shippers discuss security surcharge    Representatives of the British Shippers’ Council and officials of the port of Felixstowe, owned by the Hutchison group, have discussed the port’s request to introduce a security charge payable by shippers.
   The shipper group raised its members’ concerns about what it described as “the imposition of a new security charge by the port.”
   “The cost implications of the new security legislation for the port of Felixstowe are significant for both the port and its customers,” said John Samson-Snell, chairman of the British Shippers’ Council.
   No immediate solutions were offered by the British port, the British Shippers’ Council said. However, the shipper group reported that the port’s officials were open to discuss the issue. The shipper group advocated the introduction of a voluntary “known shipper” regime to reduce the cost and administration impact of the security measures.