Matson Decreasing Fuel Surcharge by 3.5%

The Matson barge MV Maunalei. Photo courtesy of Matson.

By Sonia Isotov

As of Sunday, March 17, Matson will be decreasing its fuel related surcharge by 3.5%, according to a statement by a Matson spokesperson today.

According to Matson, this reduction is as a result of recent moderation in bunker fuel prices, and drops the fuel related surcharge from 43.5% to 40% for its Hawaii service and from 40% to 36.5% for its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia services.

“We are pleased to make this downward adjustment to our fuel surcharge, which for most customers represents a reduction in shipping costs ranging from $80 to $140 per container,” said Dave Hoppes, the senior vice president for ocean services at Matson, in a press statement.

“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 Hawaii and Guam services.”

Hoppes also added that 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.

Matson’s last adjustment to its fuel surcharge was an increase of 4.5%, effective October 7, 2012.  That followed two consecutive decreases in June and July of 2012 which totaled 6.5%.