Port senator Wim van Sluis will propose the Rotterdam Municipal Council to
rise the harbor dues 2004 with two percent. This equals the rate of
inflation. Last two years the dues were frozen to support the rate-pressed
shipping industry and the competitiveness of the port. According to mr. Van
Sluis the condition of the shipping industry has improved so much that a
rise should be possible. He came to this conclusion after a/o consulting the
Rotterdam association of ship agents.