Capinpin port fees cut in half for ships undertaking crew change

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The first crew change undertaken at Capinpin Port last September 5 | Photo from DOTr/MARINA
The first crew change undertaken at Capinpin Port last September 5 | Photo from DOTr/MARINA

Ships that will sail to the port of Capinpin in Orion, Bataan to undertake a change of crew will be entitled to a 50% reduction in port charges, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The port dues include dockage-at-anchorage, dockage-at-berth and lay-up fees.

In an announcement, PPA said the Office of the President has approved its proposal to waive or reduce port charges for ships that deviate to Capinpin port to change their crew.

The request was approved in consideration of Section 19 (Dues) of Presidential Decree No. 857 series of 1975 (Revised Charter of PPA) pertaining to the health, safety, and well-being of Filipino crew members, according to the memorandum from Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea dated September 2.

Capinpin is one of the Philippine ports to be activated and opened as hubs for crew change as the country moves to establish itself as a crew change capital of the world. The creation of these hubs is part of a project seeking to facilitate the speedy and safe travel of seafarers and change of crew during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

READ: Capinpin port joins Manila, Subic as crew change hub

The Philippines is one of 13 countries which earlier committed to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to facilitate crew changes and achieve key worker designation for seafarers.

IMO had noted that this commitment “represents significant progress to help resolve a growing crisis facing the maritime industry, and enable hundreds of thousands of stranded seafarers to go home or join ships.”

In a joint statement, representatives from 13 countries have expressed deep concern about the current manpower crisis. They acknowledged that “the inability of ship operators worldwide to conduct ship’s crew changes is the single most pressing maritime operational challenge to the safe and efficient movement of global trade.”

Maritime Industry Authority administrator Robert Empedrad earlier underscored the need to establish crew change hubs in the country especially during the pandemic.

Seafarers of all nationalities are already experiencing immense physical and mental fatigue brought on by overstaying onboard ships at sea, and if this is allowed to continue, it could affect delivery of essential cargo, Empedrad said.

Other designated crew change hubs in the country include the ports of Manila and Subic in Zambales, while set for activation include the ports of Batangas, Davao, and Cebu.