Dockage Fees

In the maritime context, dockage fees refer to the charges levied for the use of a dock facility by a vessel during its stay at a port. These fees are typically calculated based on the length of the vessel, the duration of its stay, and the specific services it requires while docked. The dockage fee is an essential part of the overall port charges that a shipowner or operator must pay and is usually stipulated in the port tariff. The tariff is a document that outlines all the charges that a vessel may incur while at a port, including but not limited to dockage fees. The purpose of dockage fees is to cover the cost of maintaining the dock facilities, including the infrastructure, safety measures, and personnel required to operate the dock. It also contributes to the revenue of the port authority. The exact amount of dockage fees can vary greatly from port to port, depending on factors such as the size and type of the port, the demand for dock space, and the level of services provided.