Port tariff

A port tariff is the published schedule of dues and service charges a port authority levies on ships, cargo, and users. It typically sets tonnage or port dues (charged on the ship by GT or NT), berth or dockage charges by length and time alongside, wharfage and cargo dues on tonnes or TEU handled, plus pilotage, towage, mooring, fresh water, and waste-reception fees. Some charges are mandatory authority dues; others are for optional services. Tariffs increasingly add environmental rebates, such as discounts under the Environmental Ship Index, to reward cleaner ships. The tariff drives a ship’s cost of calling and feeds port-charge estimates a charterer or agent prepares before fixing a voyage.