By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

HORIZON Lines will be increasing its fuel surcharge for its Hawaii and Guam trades starting May 6, 2007.
The fuel surcharge will increase by 1.25 percent, from 19.5 percent to 20.75 percent.
The company filed its fuel surcharge petition with the Surface Transportation Board.
Horizon Line’s amended fuel surcharge covers tariffs governing shipments moving between the continental U.S. and Hawaii and Guam.
According to Horizon Lines, it needs to adjust its fuel surcharge because of another increase in its fuel cost.
The company said its fuel cost started rising mid-March and it sees no immediate relief in sight.
Horizon Lines even forecasts its fuel costs to escalate further through mid-year or remain at the current level.
According to John Handy, executive vice president of Horizon Lines, fuel is the single biggest cost component of shipping lines and other transport companies.
He said the price of bunker fuel, as well as lubricant oil, continues to increase.
Horizon Lines is the nation’s leading Jones Act container shipping and integrated logistics company, operating 16 U.S.-flag vessels on routes linking the continental United States with Guam, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
Horizon Lines also owns Horizon Services Group, an organization with a diversified offering of cargo management and tracking services being marketed to shippers, carriers, and other supply chain participants.