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The World Shippers Conference to
be held in Kuala Lumpur on 18 September will
discuss among other issues, the challenges
facing global logistics and transportation of
goods.
Several speakers from the European Union,
Indonesia, Japan and Singapore are expected to
speak at the one-day conference which will be
followed by the meeting of the Federation of
Asian Shippers Councils.
A statement issued by the Malaysian National
Shippers Council said the FASC meeting will
consider reports from 15 regional members
including Australia, Bangladesh, China, South
Africa, and Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, MNSC which held its 34th annual
general meeting on 15 August discussed a number
of shipper-related issues including on the
heavy-weight surcharge imposed by shipping lines
on containers to Europe and other destinations.
The heavy weight surcharge of US$350 would be
imposed on any tonnage above 14 metric tones per
20ft container and above 18 metric tones would
attract as much as US$500.
MNSC had expressed the view that the surcharge
was far too drastic and that the unilateral
action by the shipping lines was without regard
to the trade.
The actions by the shipping lines are
unreasonable and would have adverse impact on
the exports of manufactures, especially exports
of food and beverages, furniture, rubber
products, equipment and machineries, the Council
noted.
The International Shipowners Association (ISOA),
representing shipping lines calling at Malaysian
ports said the optimal loads are based on an
average of 10 metric tones per 20-ft container.
The Association, noting that ships are full on
volume or on weight, said shipping lines are
forced to implement the heavy weight surcharge
in order to partially cover the loss of revenue
with the acceptance of heavy cargoes.
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