Matson Navigation Co. said it is raising its the fuel surcharge on goods shipped between the West Coast and Hawaii to 28 percent from 20 percent as a result of rapidly rising fuel-related costs.

The 8 percentage point increase, effective July 5, is the biggest single jump since Matson began implementing the fuel surcharge in 1999. It also was the third straight increase in the surcharge, pushing it to its highest level since October 2008.
Matson also announced an increase to 29.5 percent from 21.5 percent in the fuel surcharge for its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia service.
Matson sent a letter to its customers informing them of the increase.
“As many of our customers are aware, fuel prices have risen dramatically in recent months,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services.
“Fuel costs directly impact Matson and other transportation companies’ operating costs and are an unavoidable expense. We had hoped that fuel costs would moderate, but just the opposite has occurred. We will continue to monitor fuel costs and adjust the fuel surcharge accordingly."