BÌNH ĐỊNH — Quy Nhơn Port Joint Stock Company in the central province of Bình Định has been fined VNĐ60 million (US$2,580) for repeatedly violating regulations on towage prices after the firm offered the service 30-40 per cent more expensive than regulated.

Chief inspector of the Việt Nam Marine Department under the Ministry of Transport, Phạm Văn Hà, said that the company was ordered to return VNĐ423 million ($18,200) to its clients.

He said that Quy Nhơn Port authority was working with shipping companies and agencies to clarify the sum so that Quy Nhơn Port Joint Stock Company could return the correct amount.

In June, 2017 and April, 2018, the company issued two decisions – No 579 and No 217 respectively – imposing tug boat services for ships at Thị Nại Port and the central New Port with prices up to 40 per cent higher than ships at Quy Nhơn Port.

The Ministry of Transport issued Decision No 3863 in 2017, on container loading, unloading and tug boat services at seaports to stabilise the prices and ensure quality among service providers and users.

Late last year, nearly 20 seaport shipping firms and agencies complained to Quy Nhơn Port authority about the high charges.

For example, in November, 2018, ship Nhà Bè 09 paid VNĐ30 million for a tug boat service to enter and leave Quy Nhơn Port. Another ship of the same size, when using a tug boat service to enter and leave Thị Nại Port, had to pay VNĐ42 million.

In another case, Quy Nhơn Port Joint Stock Company charged international ships up to $25,000 for towage services, while the regulated price is only $6,000 for entering and leaving Quy Nhơn Port.

Quy Nhơn Port, Thị Nại Port and the central New Port are operating in Quy Nhơn waters but only Quy Nhơn Port Joint Stock Company offers the tug boat service, which allegedly causing “abnormal service prices” for the other ports. — VNS