Dubai: Transparency of local sea container charges improves with new rule

The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation has introduced a new administrative decision (No 2 of 2023) regarding the ‘Transparency of Local Sea Container Charges in Dubai’ directive.

The directive is designed to bolster transparency, accountability and competitiveness across Dubai’s maritime sector, according to a report published by the state news agency, WAM.

The decision, which follows extensive industry-wide consultation as part of the DMA’s formal stakeholder partnership programme, came into effect from August 1.

It is based on a detailed thorough analysis of the industry and local sea container charges conducted by the DMA, aiming to bring more transparency to the maritime industry and ease of doing business in Dubai.

Dubai Maritime ecosystem processes improved

Introduced under the enhanced mandate, the decision outlines five key changes which will help ensure the adoption of global best practices across the emirate’s maritime ecosystem.

• It ends the freezing of sea container charges introduced by Directive No 1 of 2023 on Transparency of Local Sea Container Charges in Dubai.
• The new decision requires providers of local sea container services to openly publish details of their previously filed charges with DMA on their corporate website within 30 days, thereby enhancing transparency for their customers.
• It allows providers of local sea containers services to file for amendment of their local charges through the Dubai Trade single-window as per the defined process by the authority.
• The DMA has acted to introduce a new mechanism where service providers will charge directly for their services. The local port operator will issue invoices separately for their provided services such as its terminal handling charges and truck loading and unloading charges directly to the relevant user, as well as collect payment directly via the Dubai Trade Platform.
• All delivery orders will be issued digitally through Dubai Trade Digital Delivery order platform to strengthen Dubai’s position as a digital city.

Read: Dubai ranked among top five global maritime hubs