This was the recommendation of CPA’s consultant, BST Associates, which has already completed its rate study.
CPA collects wharfage, home port, entry, and dockage fees at its seaports.
Its wharfage fee of $6 per revenue ton will increase to $7.20.
The three other fees are collected depending on the weight and length of the vessels accommodated at the local harbors.
In an interview yesterday, newly installed CPA Executive Director Efrain F. Camacho said the rate increase is in line with efforts to meet their bond obligations.
CPA is at risk of being in default, he added.
“We’re going to implement the rate increase as recommended by the consultant” immediately or within this year, Camacho said.
The low traffic of inbound and outbound cargoes at the seaports is a major concern for CPA, he added.
“[The traffic] dramatically decreased but CPA still has to pay for the bond,” he said.
Seaport revenues last fiscal year were down by 60 percent due to the closure of garment factories on island.
Camacho said the rate increase is a hard decision to make, but he believes it will help turn around the situation at the seaports.
“He said a formal conversation with the stakeholders will be scheduled once the board formalizes the rate hike decision.
“We hate to increase especially at this point in time…but we have no choice — CPA has no choice,” he added.
