Port dues

Port dues are charges a port authority levies on a calling vessel for the use of the port’s waters, channels, and infrastructure, usually assessed on gross or net tonnage and sometimes on length or time alongside. They are one line in the disbursement account alongside pilotage, towage, mooring, and berth hire, and they feed the port-cost element of a voyage estimate. Tariffs vary widely by port and may discount for environmental performance through schemes such as the Environmental Ship Index. They are distinct from cargo dues, which fall on the cargo interest.