Work

Differences in Port Pricing Strategies: Case of Port and Fairway Fees in Northern Baltic Sea Countries

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ports and waterways are integral components of the maritime transport system, facilitating global trade and logistics. Governments, ports, and service providers levy charges on vessels for the use of fairways, port access, and associated services. This study analyzes the port and fairway fee strategies of seven major Baltic Sea ports across four countries: Estonia (Tallinn and Sillamäe), Latvia (Riga and Ventspils), Finland (Helsinki and HaminaKotka), and Sweden (Stockholm). The analysis evaluates the application of general port pricing principles in these ports' strategies. The findings reveal that port fees are predominantly value-based, with tariff rates varying by vessel type and cargo. However, no uniform structure exists for fairway fees. Notably, incorporating environmental components into fairway fee calculations emerges as a promising mechanism to promote sustainability in maritime transport. By incentivizing the adoption of environmentally friendly vessels through differentiated fee structures, ports and policymakers can accelerate the transition toward greener shipping practices. This study highlights the role of economic instruments in advancing environmental objectives and emphasizes the need for a harmonized, sustainability-driven approach to fairway and port pricing in the Baltic Sea region.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17073275

Authors: Tõnis Hunt, Ulla Tapaninen, Jonne Kotta

Institutions: Tallinn University of Technology, University of Tartu

Language: English

Topic: Maritime Ports and Logistics

Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Life below water, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896