PSS: ‘MAERSK Line backs down, effective August 2020 end’-NSC
PSS: ‘MAERSK Line backs down, effective August 2020 end’-NSC
by Eguono Odjegba
Global ocean liner giant, MAERSK Line has instructed its commercial department to stop applying the peak season surcharge, PSS, from 1st September 2020, in line with the request of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC.
A statement by Rakiya Zubairu
Head of Public Relations of NSC informed that MAERSK Line decision is
“in response to protests by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council which recently convened a meeting of the Organized Private Sector to deliberate on the astronomical peak season surcharge imposed by shipping lines calling in Nigeria.”
It will be recalled that the Union of African Shippers’ Council, UASC, has backed Shippers’ Council calls for immediate suspension of the peak season surcharge, calling it a violation of previous UASC/European Community Shipowners Association, ECSA, agreement.
The continental body in rejecting the PSS over a week ago argued that such charge require prior, mutual and reasonable notification of UASC and PMAWCA by individual shipping companies before the imposition of new tariff, surcharges or increase in transport cost.
According to NSC, a letter signed by Lara Lana, MD of MAERSK Nigeria and addressed to the ES/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, stated that “our principals in our Head Office have informed us of your letter with subject reference increase in peak season surcharge”.
It further stated that “we would like to thank you for the supporting document you shared shedding light on the meeting between the ECSA and UASC”.