THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to enforce new vessel lay-up procedures starting next month.
Based on PPA memorandum circular 11-2009 effective July 3, 2009, any vessel wanting to use the country as lay-up site should tap the services of an authorized lay-up agent, which at the moment is only Relinic International.
The Philippines has four major lay-up areas — Malalag Bay in Davao, Manila Bay, Subic Bay and Pulupandan in Negros. The PPA has also designated several lay-up sites in almost all its controlled ports nationwide.
PPA is charging a nominal lay-up fee of $91 plus value-added tax per day per foreign vessel regardless of size.
PPA expects about 625 vessels to be idled in the next three years.
“The authorized lay-up agent shall pay the lay-up fee on a monthly basis payable on the 5th day of the succeeding month. Failure of the lay-up agent to pay the lay-up fee on time shall be subject to interests and penalties in accordance with existing regulations of PPA,” the state firm said.
Aside from the said fee, PPA said it will slap the usual charges when a vessel arrives in the country’s port and when it leaves. These are port dues of $.081 per gross registered ton (GRT) upon vessel arrival, anchorage fee of $.020 per GRT per calendar day also upon arrival and $.020 per GRT upon departure.
