Pacific Liner Matson Navigation Co. Drops Fuel Surcharges By Almost 5%

(AHN) - Matson Navigation Company, Hawaii's largest ocean shipper and key liner serving inter-Pacific routes, announced that it will decrease its fuel surcharge for cargo shipped to Hawaii, Guam and Micronesia.

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin reported that the fuel surcharge was brought about by declines in crude oil and gasoline prices in August.

"Matson is now seeing the downward trend extend to bunker fuel costs, allowing the company to make this adjustment," the company said in a statement.

Fuel surcharge for its Hawaii service will decrease by 4.75 percentage points, from 42.25 to 37.5 percent, while surcharge for its Western Pacific service will also at 4.75 percentage points, from 43.75 to 39 percent.

The reductions will also decrease shipping costs per 20-foot container from $115 to $180.

The new rates will take effect on Sept. 21.