Israeli shippers will have to pay a congestion (detention) surcharge at the Port of Haifa & Ashdod from the beginning of June 2006.
The Europe Mediterranean Trade Agreement (EMTA) has informed the Israeli shipper's council that it will demand a $40 surcharge per TEU (20-foot equivalent unit container) at the port of Haifa, and $30 per TEU at Ashdod.
According to EMTA's spokesman the shipping conference plans to change its charging system: instead of charging a percentage of the shipping cost, it will charge a fixed rate.
Israel Shippers Council chairman Gad Sheffer said in response that the council was in the process of negotiation with EMTA whose claim is based on two main arguments: strikes, and the lack of industrial quiet, especially at the Ashdod Port; and the shortage of warehouse space, at the Haifa Port.”
Sheffer added that the Israel Shippers Council intended to sue the ports companies for the same amount as the surcharges.
Haifa Port Company chairman David Hermesh and Ashdod Port Company CEO Shuki Sagis said there was no justification for imposing a congestion surcharge.
