Steam Packet increases fuel surcharge
17th September, 2008
The Steam Packet is to double the fuel surcharge it levies on passengers – while freight carriers will be hit by a four-fold increase.
From September 1, the passengers' fuel surcharge will rise from £2.50 to £5 per single journey in what the ferry operator described as an 'inevitable' move.
And from the same date, the freight fuel surcharge will increase by £6 per metre from £2 per metre to £8 per metre.
Chief executive Mark Woodward blamed a 'quite exceptional' rise in maritime fuel prices.
He said: 'The Steam Packet Company has absorbed much of the increased cost over the last few years, and since March this year has already absorbed several million pounds in extra costs, which it essentially cannot recover.
'We have made reference several times this year to the fact that surcharge increases would be inevitable, but we have not increased fares this summer even though fuel now costs as much as £15,000 per return trip to Liverpool.
'Other UK shipping companies increased their fares in the spring – we did not, even though marine fuel costs have almost doubled.'
The freight fuel surcharge was increased by 50p per metre in March.
The Steam Packet said 'footloose' special offer foot passenger fares will remain unchanged at £17.50 including the fuel surcharge. A summer special of car plus two passengers will go up from £84 to £89.
From September 1, the passengers' fuel surcharge will rise from £2.50 to £5 per single journey in what the ferry operator described as an 'inevitable' move.
And from the same date, the freight fuel surcharge will increase by £6 per metre from £2 per metre to £8 per metre.
Chief executive Mark Woodward blamed a 'quite exceptional' rise in maritime fuel prices.
He said: 'The Steam Packet Company has absorbed much of the increased cost over the last few years, and since March this year has already absorbed several million pounds in extra costs, which it essentially cannot recover.
'We have made reference several times this year to the fact that surcharge increases would be inevitable, but we have not increased fares this summer even though fuel now costs as much as £15,000 per return trip to Liverpool.
'Other UK shipping companies increased their fares in the spring – we did not, even though marine fuel costs have almost doubled.'
The freight fuel surcharge was increased by 50p per metre in March.
The Steam Packet said 'footloose' special offer foot passenger fares will remain unchanged at £17.50 including the fuel surcharge. A summer special of car plus two passengers will go up from £84 to £89.
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