Matson’s fuel fee hits 24%

It is going to get even more expensive to ship between Hawaii and the mainland.

Matson Navigation Co. said yesterday it is increasing its fuel surcharge 1.5 percentage points to a record 24 percent, effective Aug. 19, due to recent increases in bunker fuel prices and other energy-related costs.

The new surcharge marked Matson's fourth straight increase and means that the state's largest ocean shipper has now raised its fuel surcharge 6.5 percentage points since Jan. 28, when it stood at 17.5 percent after three straight decreases.

"The cost of fuel has been on the rise again, increasing to near record-high levels," said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president of ocean services for Matson.

Rival Horizon Lines Inc., which typically matches Matson, said it will not make its decision until next week. Horizon currently has the same surcharge as Matson, 22.5 percent.

Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines, which ships vehicles between Hawaii and San Diego, currently has a 19.5 percent surcharge. It also plans to study Matson's move before deciding whether to match it.

The Hawaii Superferry, which plans to begin service late next month, previously announced a 30.8 percent fuel surcharge for all tickets purchased through July 30, regardless of travel date. It plans to recalculate its fuel surcharge on a monthly basis.