Port Pricing in the North Port of Split: A Comparative Analysis

Pricing in ports is an important element of port competitiveness when it comes to the establishment of logistics and transportation systems, determining cargo flows, and developing optimum and quality service. This paper aims to examine the need to modify the port tariff in the North Port of Split through comparison of thetariff system in the main Croatian cargo ports for specific vessel categories and types of cargo. The results were also compared with the port tariffs in the ports of Koper and Trieste to identify shortcomings and suggest potential modifications of individual service prices. The analysis revealed a discrepancy in the segment of port charges, towage and light dues (which account for almost 75 % of the total price), with the latter indicated as a crucial problem in all Croatian ports. Tariff adjustment would eventually improve port competitiveness, with the possibility of expansion to new markets, extension of the gravitational area, and acquisition of additional cargo for the North Port. The inclusion of "environmental charge", with envisaged discounts or additional charges for environmental protection and sustainable development, is essential for the port’s strategic orientation and market positioning.

Study of Port Tariff Structure and Port Pricing Approach

In order to support National Logistics System continuity there are at least three (3) main components that should synergize well, namely the sea side (sea transport), the land side (hinterland transport) and the part that connects between the two (port). Port performance will greatly affect the performance of the national logistics system as a whole. One of the indicator of a country's logistics performance evaluation is the ease of arranging shipments of goods at competitive prices (shipment). One of the components of logistics costs which become concern of many parties is the port costs, in order to support the national high logistics cost reduction, study related to the port tariff structure and its associated regulations is needed, especially a matter to formulate and determining policy related to pricing port services. The survey and analysis will be carried out in an attempt to identified the port tariff structure as basis to determining the port pricing model. Port tariff structure analysis include the Identification of port services and cost component (user and port operator point of view). Based on the analysis of transport logistics cost, the shipping cost contribute 48%, port cost 40% and hinterland cost 12%. The port cost on the container terminal, the stevedoring costs contribute 42%, followed by the cargodoring cost 58%. It takes further analysis for stevedoring tariff and tariff lift-on / lift-off container given a large contribution to the overall cost of loading and unloading at the port. Port pricing formulation problem associated with cost (competitiveness), performance (level of services) and value added (value added to the customer), so that the best approach for determinining port cost and tariff are: (1) the first best pricing approach is MC = MR = P, (2) the second best pricing approach is LRMC. We suggest that the pricing policy for ports where tariff formulation needs to consider the external factors (currency, rates, fuel price, minimum salary and etc) and differentiated based on the level of port service. Relevant quality level of port service factors are the time in port, and the punctuality of handling the vessel and its cargo. Port Tariff = f (Cost of Goods Manufactured (production unit cost), Margin, Level of Service (LS)) and Maximum Port Tariff = 1.25 % ofproduction unit cost .

Maritime port pricing and governance in South Africa: trends and stakeholder comments

This study assesses trends and stakeholder comments on maritime port pricing and governance in South Africa. Content analysis is used to analyse Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) tariff applications, Ports Regulator records of decision and stakeholder comments for 2010 to 2012. The study gathers data on port pricing from 1999-2012 and uses descriptive statistics to analyse the trends in port pricing. The findings show the distinctiveness of South Africa’s complementary system of ports and its uniform pricing policy. The ports are financed and managed using a mix of elements from the European and Asian port doctrines, whereas the pricing methodology appears to follow the Anglo-Saxon doctrine. A port doctrine should be developed that would be consistent with the country’s vision and policies.