Are port service rates too high, and is the rate structure fair?

Challenge

A maritime industry association, our client, opposed higher rates by a state-regulated port services provider. In addition to being exorbitant, our client believed the rate structure itself was unfair. The service provider maintained its increase was well justified.

Approach

• Analyses:
  • Researched the evolution of marine traffic at the port in question, distinguishing between vessels of different types.
  • Assessed levels and structure of fees at other ports around the country, on a normalized basis.
  • Determined key ship characteristics that affected service requirements.
  • Evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of the local service provider’s operations.
• Report:
  • Prepared a comprehensive, fact-based report making a clear case for our client’s position.
• Support to attorneys:
  • Suggested lines of questioning for use in preliminary hearings.

Results

• Case was settled directly between the parties, outside the state administrative structure.