Patrick, Sydney Ports clash over fees

Stevedoring company Patrick and the NSW government are in dispute over Patrick’s intention to increase container lift fees, at a time the government is bringing in new regulations at Sydney’s Port Botany, according to Australian Financial News.

Sydney Ports Corp new regulations will penalise stevedores and truck companies that cause delays. NSW Minister for Ports, Paul McLeay, will also consider regulating rail operations.

Patrick container ports general manager Paul Garaty said fees had to be raised if costs were to be covered.

The Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia said it appreciated Patrick’s need to be commercially viable but was concerned the higher charges would push industry towards road transport.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)