Domestic shipping lines have been directed to allocate at least 12 percent of their ship’s cargo capacity for agricultural products for unhindered delivery of food supply amid the pandemic.
In a recent circular, the Maritime Industry Authority has ordered domestic shipping lines to “provide cargo space allocation for agricultural products at least 12 percent of the ship’s cargo capacity on per voyage on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.”
“Only shipments availing of the 12 percent space allocation is entitled to a discount of not less than 40 percent of the published rates of shipping lines. They should be purely agricultural and food products shipped in whatever manner or form such as roll-on/roll-off (RORO) and conventional cargoes,” MARINA said.
Domestic shipping lines may also offer pre-payment or hard blocking the required 12 percent allocated cargo space so that the 40 percent discount may be applied. However, domestic shipping lines may also offer a discount higher than 40 percent.
MARINA further said that if the 12 percent allocated cargo space is not used up within 12 hours before loading/closing time of a particular voyage as prescribed by the port operator, the operator may offer the remaining available space to other shippers for other types of cargo.
“The MARINA remains committed to the general public that it will continue to contribute ways and means to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the country by sustaining the steady supply of goods across the nation,” the agency said.