*************************************************
The Pilotage (Dues) (Amendment) Order 2011 was gazetted today (December 9). The Order seeks to increase specified items of pilotage dues as agreed between the providers and users of pilotage services.
A Transport and Housing Bureau spokesman said, "Pilotage dues are commercial fees charged by licensed pilots for the provision of pilotage services. The fee levels are periodically reviewed by the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association, representing the service users, and the Hong Kong Pilots Association, representing the service providers. The latest review recommended increases in pilotage dues which have been endorsed by the Pilotage Advisory Committee."
Under the proposals, the basic pilotage due would be increased by 7.3 per cent, from $4,100 to $4,400.
The Pilotage Ordinance (Cap. 84) empowers the Pilotage Authority, who is the Director of Marine, to set the amount of pilotage dues by order published in the Gazette after consultation with the Pilotage Advisory Committee. The Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on December 14.
Ends/Friday, December 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:31
NNNN
