Addu City Council has begun implementing the new fee policy for vessels docking at the Hithadhoo harbour.
Addu City Council published the new policy in April and is currently working to hire harbour inspectors to monitor the adherence to the policy, which is available for download at the council’s website.
Under the new policy, vessels will be required to pay a fee if they wish to dock at the Hithadhoo harbour. As such, vessels are required to pay a registration fee of USD33 which is valid for two years and pay a yearly docking fee ranging from USD16-65 based on the length of the vessel. The vessels are also required to pay an additional fee for which direction the vessel will be facing from the harbour when it is docked. The vessels wishing to unload goods at the harbour will also be required to pay a fee ranging between USD16-65. The rate will not be subject to change for vessels unloading goods and will only be changed based on the length of the vessel. The policy also dictates that any condition that does not apply to the stipulated fee structure will be decided on by the Addu City Council.
Addu City Council implemented the policy after opening it to public opinion earlier this year. Any revenue from the policy will go to the council.