Gavin Morgan

15 May, 2008

RISING fuel prices are forcing Shetland Islands Council to bring in a charge to cover extra operating costs at its oil port in Sullom Voe.

When the harbour budgets were set at the end of last year the cost of marine gas oil used by tugs, pilot and mooring boats was 32p per litre. Since then it has increased to 48.4p per litre.

Fuel prices are expected to rise even further this year, but even if the price stays at current levels operating costs will increase by £191,880 for the year.

Councillor Alistair Cooper said that most ports introduce a “bunker surcharge” on their services to shipping to recoup money and the council needed to cover its costs.

Yesterday (Wednesday) the council agreed to put a variable bunker surcharge in place.

The charge will be set initially at £170 per tug movement for normal operations and £50 an hour if an hourly rate is applied, based on the current price of marine gas oil.

It will then be monitored every month by Sella Ness’s general manager Jim Dickson who will have the authority to amend it up or down depending on rising or falling fuel prices.