The development of Finland’s international import and export volumes significantly affects vessel traffic and the number of pilotage assignments. Economic confidence indicators are currently low and the export and import expectations of Etla Economic Research forecast the onset of a moderate recession in Finland. The new security policy situation caused by the Russian war on Ukraine has created insecurity, particularly in terms of the development of export markets. Finnpilot Pilotage Ltd wants to ensure the consistency, availability and flexibility of its pilotage services, also during periods of uncertainty.
The pilotage fees will be increased in 2023 by 4.7% along the coastline and in Saimaa. The increase will be implemented by raising the basic and mileage-based pilotage fees. The increase of the basic fee (when an assignment requires two pilots) in 2023 is 75% (50% in 2022). The standby, cancellation and order transfer fees for pilotage will remain the same. The price level in the Saimaa region for the coming year will remain at 26% of the pilotage fee charged in coastal waters.
The pilotage figures along the coastline for 2023 are predicted to remain at the level of the current year. As a result of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Saimaa’s freight traffic has nearly come to a complete standstill and there is no expectation that it would pick up in 2023.
Driven by a strong increase in costs
The pilotage fees cover costs necessary for the organisation of pilotage activities and upkeep of the national service network. The pilotage company must also ensure the sufficiency of incoming funds in order to continue its operational development.
The increase in the pilotage fees is particularly necessary due to developments in the fuel and energy market. Fuel costs have risen 56% from the previous year and energy by 67%. These increases are expected to continue during 2023. Cost impacts of collective bargaining agreements, increases in employer fees, contractual increases and inflation have also been taken into consideration in the level of the pilotage fees.
Over the coming years, the company’s cost structure will be impacted by the general cost and wage development as well as by emission reduction targets, vessel safety improvements and the development of the occupational safety of personnel.
The increase to the pilotage fees was decided by the Board of Directors of Finnpilot Pilotage Ltd. at its meeting on 29 September 2022. The new pilotage fee charts will shortly be added on Finnpilot’s Pilotage fees and calculator page >>.
Further information
Kari Kosonen, CEO, kari.kosonen@finnpilot.fi, tel. +358 40 741 4625
Timo Siren, Financial Director, timo.siren@finnpilot.fi, tel. +358 40 145 9848
