Matson Navigation Co. is lowering its fuel surcharge for the fourth consecutive time in six weeks for shipments between the mainland and Hawaii, citing an ongoing decline in fuel prices.

The state's largest ocean carrier will reduce the fee on Sunday by 2 percentage points from 27 percent to 25 percent - the lowest since August 2007. The reduction also applies to its Guam/Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and Micronesia service, which will drop to 26.5 percent from 28.5 percent.

“;Following an extended period in which oil costs hit historical record highs, it is encouraging to see this downward trend continue to be reflected in the prices the company is now paying for bunker fuel,”; Dave Hoppes, senior vice president of ocean services, said in a statement.

Matson is passing the decrease to customers before the 30-day rate adjustment notification period so they can “;realize the benefits of this reduction during this difficult economic environment.”;

For most customers, the new rates will reflect a decrease in shipping costs ranging from $45 to $75 each container.

Matson's most recent fuel surcharge adjustment on Oct. 19 for its Hawaii, Guam/Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and Micronesia service routes was a drop of 6 percentage points - the largest percentage-point decrease in the company's history.

Including the latest adjustment, Matson will have lowered its fuel surcharge by 17.25 percentage points since September 20. The company on Sept. 21 implemented its first fuel-surcharge decrease after nine straight increases since Jan. 28, 2007.

Representatives of Charlotte, N.C.-based rival Horizon Lines Inc., which typically matches Matson's rate adjustments, didn't return calls for comment yesterday. Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines LLC, whose fuel surcharge is at 24.5 percent, also is considering reducing the fee, according to General Manager Reggie Maldonado.