MPL reverts stevedoring fee to USD

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has reverted to taking stevedoring fees from US dollars once more effective April 01st, 2024.

Stevedoring fees are the charges incurred by the shipping agents for loading and unloading cargo from a ship to a quay or harbor at the port.

Since 2011, MPL charged stevedoring fees in Maldivian Rufiyyaa, but was reverted back to US Dollar earlier on Monday.

An MPL Spokesperson speaking with 'Sun' confirmed the stevedoring charges are never levied on the consignees or businesses importing the goods to the Maldives, but rather from the agent that represents the cargo carriers.

The spokesperson further highlighted the benefits of this change for MPL.

"MPL's dollar revenue increases because of this decision, that positively contributes to counter dollar constaints," the official said.

Dollar receipts to MPL would be exclusively circulated within the Maldives banking system, the official added.

MPL charges USD 195 as stevedoring charges per 20-foot container and USD 211 per 40-foot units.