How can shipping save on port charges?

Port charges are one of the major cost items in transportation expenses. For some shipping companies, port charges account for more than one-quarter of total costs, second only to fuel costs and ship repair expenses. Therefore, saving on port charges is a critical issue that ocean shipping enterprises must address to reduce transportation costs. Generally speaking, shipping companies can save on port charges through the following aspects: 
　　
　　1. Shipping companies must understand and master the fee rules and rate adjustment situations for various charges at each port.   
　　
　　2. Shipping companies should pay close attention to reasonably arranging various vessel operations in port and keeping corresponding records.   
　　
　　3. Correctly grasp the timing of vessel entry and departure. Efforts should be made to enter and leave ports during the daytime, as many ports charge additional surcharges for pilotage, tugboats, and mooring/unmooring services during nighttime and holidays.   
　　
　　4. Before entering or leaving port, adjust the vessel's fore and aft drafts as much as possible under feasible conditions to minimize the maximum draft. This is because some ports, such as Japanese ports, calculate pilotage fees based on the vessel's gross tonnage and the maximum fore and aft draft.   
　　
　　5. Correctly declare vessel tonnage. Ship tonnage dues, port dues, lighthouse fees, etc., are calculated based on the vessel's tonnage. For vessels with two or more continuous decks, triangular tonnage marks can be surveyed on both sides, and two different tonnages (large and small) can be used to replace the open/closed tonnage of former shelter-deck vessels. When the tonnage mark is submerged, the shipping company should declare the large tonnage; when the tonnage mark is not submerged, it should declare the small tonnage.   
　　
　　6. Rationally stow cargo. Strive for simultaneous operations across all cargo holds and balance loading and unloading times as much as possible to shorten the vessel's port time.   
　　
　　7. Timely complete all preparatory work to reduce various waiting charges.   
　　
　　8. The shipping company should carefully review and sign all charge documents to prevent unwarranted losses.