Vessel Port Dues

Vessel Port Dues refer to the fees charged to ships for using a port’s facilities and services. These dues are an integral part of port revenue generation and play a significant role in financing the maintenance, expansion, and operation of ports around the world. They are levied on vessels arriving at or departing from a port and are based on various factors, including a vessel’s size, type, and duration of stay. 

Vessel port dues can be categorized into several types, including:  

• Tonnage dues calculated based on a vessel’s gross tonnage, which is a measure of its size 
• Harbor dues levied for the use of the port’s harbor or anchorage area, especially when a vessel is awaiting its turn to dock  
• Berth dues charged for the time a vessel occupies a berth or quay within the port 
• Pilotage dues collected for the services of a pilot who guides the vessel safely in and out of the port 
• Towage dues applicable when tugs or other vessels assist in the maneuvering of a ship 
• Cruise Passenger dues imposed on passenger ships for each passenger disembarking or embarking 

Port authorities use the revenue generated from vessel port dues to fund various activities and improvements, including harbor maintenance, dredging, infrastructure development, security enhancements, and environmental initiatives.