Horizon matches Matson's hike
Advertiser Staff
Horizon Lines LLC said yesterday it would raise its fuel charge to 33.75 percent on shipments to Hawai'i, matching Matson Navigation Co.'s increase announced last week.
Both shipping companies are raising their fuel surcharges from 31.5 percent. Horizon's increase is effective April 7 and Matson's is effective April 6. Matson and Horizon are the state's No. 1 and No. 2 shipping companies, respectively.
The hike is necessary due to increases in the price of bunker fuel used to power the engine's of Horizon's cargo ships, the company said in a news release.
"The rapid rise in fuel prices requires that we do even more to improve fuel efficiency and cost recovery across our entire network," said John Keenan, president of Horizon Lines based in Charlotte, N.C. "As fuel prices hit new highs almost every day, we will work internally with our associates to improve efficiency and with our customers to address cost recovery."
Horizon also announced a number of programs to improve its fuel efficiency and cost management.
Initiatives include ship-hull and propeller maintenance programs as well as identifying changes in speed or course to lower fuel consumption while allowing Horizon's ships to remain on schedule.
Horizon also said it expects further fuel-efficiency improvements this year from its participation in the SmartWay Transport Partnership, an effort by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the freight industry to increase energy efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
SmartWay aims to save up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year. It involves freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, logistics companies and trade and professional associations.
"We have one of the best fuel-cost management programs in the industry," Keenan said.
Horizon Lines is the nation's leading domestic container shipping and integrated logistics company. Horizon Lines operates a fleet of 21 U.S.-flag container ships and five port terminals linking the continental United States with Alaska, Hawai'i, Guam, Micronesia and Puerto Rico.
