Shippers Association Raise Alarm As CMA CGM Slam Fresh Charges on Nigerian Cargoes
The Shippers Association Lagos State (SALS) has kicked against the introduction of a fresh charge that was slammed on Nigerian cargoes by CMA CGM shipping company, urging the Nigerian Shippers Council to take immediate action.
President of SALS, Rev Jonathan Nicol said the shippers have received a notification from CMA CDMA that $180 or €150 will be charged on Nigeria cargo for “Empty Equipment Imbalance Fee”
He urged CMA CGM to jettison the new unexpected fee on Nigeria cargo because their imports do not have such issues.
Nicol also lamented that Nigerian Export cargoes are being snubbed abroad and this is not good, especially at this time of the second wave of the Pandemic.
In a press release sent to our correspondent, the Association said “Recently, we battled the “Peak Period Surcharge of 400% increase. Some Shipping Lines complied, some did not”
“We have received a press notification from CMA CDMA that $180 or €150 will be charged on Nigeria cargo for “Empty Equipment Imbalance Fee”. The Nigerian Shippers Council has informed us that they will stop demurrages from the Shipping Lines and Terminal Operators because of the Intractible Apapa traffic that has made cargo to be delivered in peace-meal to the Shipping Lines, This new rate is no exception.
“We all must pay the price for the problems that we collectively created. Our Appeal to CMA CGM to jettison the new unexpected fee on Nigeria cargo as Imports do not have such issues”
“Shippers who have the inflated Peak Season Surcharge should please send their Bill Lading to us. Shippers Association Lagos State will continue to seek resolutions to Port related issues with Service Providers through dialogues”
“We therefore appeal to all major stakeholders to fashion a way to protect the Commonwealth of Shippers who provide the platform for trade. The “Empty Equipment Imbalance fee”.
“We will get the Nigerian Shippers Council to wade into this as it relates to charges if approval has been obtained before implementation. These are the problems we should collectively solve”
