Neww Fees for Tug Services at Panama Canal

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced that effective April 1, 2006, there will be rate increases for tug and linehandling services due to rising operating costs. The decision was made by the Republic of Panama's Cabinet Council, upon a recommendation from the ACP's Board of Directors. Rates for tug services will increase 7 percent and rates for linehandling services will rise 4 percent. Fees vary by vessel size. Rates for these services have not been increased since March 2004. However, increases in operating costs due primarily to sustained fuel hikes have impacted tugboat and linehandling services, making it necessary to adjust rates.