Jacksonville Port Authority to introduce security fees

Jacksonville Port Authority to introduce security fees    The Jacksonville Port Authority said Thursday it will implement security fees to all vessels berthing at its facilities in an effort to offset rising costs of port security measures.
   Effective Oct. 1, fees will be charged as follows:
   * Vessels with 200 or more containers, loaded to or discharged from the vessel, empty or loaded, will be charged $2 per container per vessel call.
   * All other vessels (including vessels loading or discharging less than 200 containers, loaded or empty), will be charged $1 per linear foot per vessel call, based on the vessel’s overall length.
   All charges will be billed to the vessel owner or agent, unless other arrangements are made in advance, the port authority said.
   Jacksonville's ports have experienced double-digit increases in security costs every year for the last four years and its operating security expenses will be $4 million in 2006.
   The new security fee is projected to recover about $1.5 million.