Matson Lowers Fuel Surcharge for Island Services

In a notice to customers Monday, Matson announced that it is dropping its fuel surcharge for Hawai’i, Guam/Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Micronesia services.

A decline in bunker fuel prices is allowing Matson to drop its surcharge by two percent for all services, effective Dec. 21.The fuel surcharge for Hawai’i services will drop,from 37.5 to 35.5 percent. Services involving Guam/CNMI will fall from 38 to 36 percent, and Micronesia serviced will drop from 43 to 41 percent.

“We are pleased to be able to make this downward adjustment to our fuel surcharge, which for most customers, represents a reduction in shipping costs ranging from $40 to $70 per container,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services.  “This is the second consecutive decrease we have made to our Hawai’i and Guam/CNMI fuel surcharges, with the last reduction being a five percentage point decrease, effective Nov. 2.  We have been encouraged by the recent moderation in bunker fuel prices, and remain focused on diligently exploring ways in which we can maximize fuel efficiency for our fleet. Matson has made a practice of giving 30 days notice for upward rate adjustments, but passes on downward adjustments to our customers as soon as possible. We will continue to monitor fuel costs and adjust the surcharge accordingly.”