SHIPPING Agents in the country are requesting fairness.

They made the request when they met with the new Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Islands Ports Authority yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of the Shipping Agents, Financial Controller of MAKO Fisheries Limited Mr James Kim CPA said the increase of transhipment levy and other tariffs by the former SIPA administration have badly affected shipping agents.

He said the increase of transhipment levy from 8 to 45 dollars per tonne has caused a major blow for them.

Mr Kim said the increase has exposed shipping agents to major risks of losing business.

He said the increase is not only affecting local shipping agents but also poses a threat to the country which might end up in the loss of transhipment revenues.

Mr Kim said introducing very high levy is like forcing ships to divert their transhipment plans to other countries.

He suggested that increasing of charges must be reasonable.

On the same note, Mr Kim said SIPA has made a huge improvement to its services.

Responding to the issue, SIPA’s new Chief Executive Officer Mr Eranda Kotelawala explained that any review can be made at a reasonable time and also at a reasonable amount.

He stressed that such increase might come to hand due to lack of levy review over certain period of time.

Mr Kotelawala said tariff review is an act of business when time is necessary and reasonable, adding, tariff review must be competent.

He said he is taking note of the issue and will be looking at possible decisions to address the issue to make sure review made accommodates smooth playing ground for businesses to operate.