According to Alphaliner, the Suez Canal is set to hike transit tolls for containerships by 15% in 2023. The increased rates will be levied from January 1, and will apply to all ship types except dry bulkers and cruise ships, where rates will rise only 10%.
A typical 23,700 teu megamax could expect to pay an additional USD 70,000 for a northbound laden trip next year following the increase.
This is based on estimated tolls of around USD 475,000 for the transit today.
The Canal Authority said the rise reflected inflation pressures, which had increased costs for its operations and its navigational services.
Tolls were also being adjusted to reflect higher freight rates for shipowners, and the greater savings that could now be gained from using the canal given the increase in bunker costs.
The Suez Canal generated record revenues of USD 7 bn in fiscal year 2021/22, a rise of 21% compared to the previous fiscal period.
Some 5,520 containerships transited the canal during the year, contributing revenues of USD 1.2 bn.
The Suez Canal is due to introduce expanded dual-lane circulation in 2023, which it has claimed could potentially double vessel numbers compared to 2021.
Source: Alphaliner
