England's PD Ports: Lighthouse fee hike risks cargo diversion

THE British government's increase in lighthouse dues puts UK ports at a serious disadvantage according to north east England's PD Ports on the Yorkshire Durham border along the River Tees.

The Department of Transport said the increase in light dues - 67 per cent for big ships - was based on a corresponding increase in costs.

Said PD Ports director Martyn Pellew: In these difficult times it is a real kick in the teeth to impose such a hike. And coming on top of the recent decision to backdate business rates bills, it seems the government is trying to kill off the ports industry altogether.

Mr Pellew is urging exporters, importers, business bodies, consumer groups to protest to MPs and make comments directly via the DfT website at www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/lightduesamendment/

PD Ports estimates that ships using its Teesport facilities will be paying an extra GBP4 million (US$5.87 million) a year. The fee is calculated according to ship tonnage and the number of calls per year so the increase starts at 17 per cent but rises to 67 per cent for bigger vessels.

We have invested heavily in new facilities to attract ships, Mr Pellew said. And both Tesco and Asda have built major distribution centres at the port. Thousands of new jobs are being brought into the area because of the port.

Source: Transportweekly