Change in MENAS Light Dues to ensure future of Aids to Navigation
(Posted on 04/09/23)
After years of keeping a vital navigation service operating on the same income, Middle East Navigation Service (MENAS) has been forced to review its funding, to ensure it can continue to help keep seafarers safe and protect the marine environment in the Middle East Gulf.
MENAS has been providing Aids to Navigation (AtoN) in the Middle East Gulf – one of the busiest trade lanes in the world – since 1951, supplying seafarers with essential information regarding the location, route, and configuration of obstacles and hazards.
MENAS covers the cost of operating and maintaining such AtoN, which include buoys, lighthouses and racons, through the collection of Navigational Light Dues, or Nav Dues, as they are more commonly known. Paid by shipowners relative to their net tonnage on their vessels’ first port of entry into the Gulf, the dues have remained at the same level since 2006.
However, the cost of providing MENAS Nav Aids has increased, particularly in the last two years, compounded by the increase of the input costs (material, energy, salaries, etc.) as well as the need to replace some major equipment such as DGPS transmitters.
MENAS has therefore had to make the difficult decision to change its charges. The new tariff includes an increase in the rate and the widening of the group of ships which will be asked to pay for the service.
“We have worked very hard to keep the Nav Dues charges at the same level since 2006 but due to the rising costs involved, we feel we have no other option than to increase them, because we want to provide the same services at the same quality,” says Peter Stanley, CEO of MENAS’ parent organisation, International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN).
“Without change, the income we receive would not be enough to fund the service sufficiently, compromising safety and the future of MENAS AtoN. I appreciate the extra cost may not be welcomed by shipowners, but we have to implement the tariff charge to ensure the safe navigation of vessels in the Gulf and the protection of the region’s marine environment.”
He adds: “We know that reputable shipowners will be committed to good safety standards, also bearing in mind SOLAS Chapter V obligations, and trust they will understand the reasons for these changes.”
Though MENAS undertakes contract work for third parties as a way of helping to reduce Nav Dues to shipowners, all services provided by MENAS are paid for by these dues.
The new tariff will be implemented on 1st October 2023 and is reviewed annually.
In recent years, MENAS has witnessed a trend of using smaller vessels, which currently do not pay dues, and some of these frequent users have quite significant fleets. MENAS believes it is only fair that these should now contribute towards the services that it provides, and it will be asking for payment from all owners/charterers of vessels above or equal to 8,000 net tonnes in the future when they, make their first port call in the Middle East Gulf.
Latest News
ClassNK endorses alternative fuelled bulk vessels with AiPs
(Posted on 07/12/23)ClassNK has issued Approvals in Principle (AiPs) for four cutting-edge ship designs developed by Marine... Read more
Partnership delivers new classification notations for Laskaridis bulker
(Posted on 07/12/23)A smartship partnership bringing together ship management company Laskaridis Shipping, digital technology... Read more
ABB introduces CO2e Calculator for enhanced transparency on emissions
(Posted on 07/12/23)ABB has launched a new digital tool allowing shipowners, operators and designers to estimate the emission... Read more
Dry bulk shipping bares brunt of Panama Canal water level crisis
(Posted on 03/12/23)The Dry Bulk and LNG segments have borne the brunt of restricted transits, particularly due to their... Read more
CSM announces digital world-first crew Self-Assessment Tool
(Posted on 03/12/23)Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) is set to further boost operational efficiency on its vessels, as crew... Read more
Shi.E.L.D. Services selects Spinergie for digitized bulk solutions
(Posted on 26/11/23)Shi.E.L.D. Services has selected Spinergie as its preferred digitized solution provider to monitor and... Read more
Wellbeing and welfare boost for Indian maritime cadets
(Posted on 26/11/23)Thousands of cadets and trainees in India will benefit from in-depth wellness training and support thanks... Read more
Sustainable dry bulk shipping solutions in focus at INTERCARGO forum
(Posted on 17/11/23)As shipping continues its journey to decarbonisation, INTERCARGO will host a special forum in Athens... Read more
INTERCARGO statement on KMAX Ruler attack
(Posted on 13/11/23)INTERCARGO was deeply saddened and concerned to hear of the reported appalling missile attack on the... Read more
New resources for crews and their support system
(Posted on 13/11/23)A new-look Wellness at Sea Awareness Campaign for seafarers, their families and shore staff that &ldquo... Read more
