Fed: Port user groups seek inquiry into towage charges

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Fed: Port user groups seek inquiry into towage charges

CANBERRA, Feb 11 AAP - Port authorities and user groups at Australia's major portsare seeking federal government intervention to prevent harbour towage price increasesof up to 26 per cent.

The Association of Australian Ports and Marine Authorities (AAPMA) said it had writtento the government on behalf of 14 industry groups seeking an urgent inquiry into the pricerise requests.

AAPMA executive director John Hirst said the dominant provider of harbour towage inAustralia, Adsteam Marine Ltd, had sought price increases of up to 26 per cent for towageservices in major ports.

"Industry groups whose members will bear the brunt of the proposed price increasesare very concerned about the effect this will have on their members' international competitivenessin an uncertain global economy," Mr Hirst said in a statement.

The price increases sought had been declared under the Prices Surveillance Act.

Mr Hirst said the industry wanted a public inquiry into the provision of harbour towageand related services at all Australian ports.

AAP dep/nsns

KEYWORD: TOWAGE