It questions charges at concessioned ports and demands that authorities review measures that, it claims, affect the operations of 49 companies
SANTO DOMINGO. The National Federation of Ship Suppliers (FENABUQUES) denounced that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) linked to maritime services are on the verge of collapse due to increases in port fees and a series of regulatory obstacles that, according to its president, Guillermo de la Rosa, hinder operations and jeopardize the continuity of their activities.
The organization, which represents 49 companies in the sector, questioned the charges applied in state-concessioned ports and warned about other provisions that, in its opinion, generate an economic and bureaucratic burden that directly affects suppliers of services to vessels.
Regarding the increase in port fees
De la Rosa argued that some private ports have set tariffs of between US$10 and US$20 per ton, even though, according to the federation's interpretation, the legal framework contemplates a charge of US$4 per ton.
The president of the entity stated that these increases directly impact companies dedicated to the provisioning of ships, unloading of oily and solid waste, collection of hazardous waste and other services aimed at vessels, thermoelectric plants and industries.
The business association described the situation as one of the main difficulties currently facing the sector and demanded a review of the tariffs applied to port operations.
It cites Law 70-70
The federation argued that the provisions applied in the ports must be adjusted to the powers established in Law 70-70, which creates the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM).
The FENABUQUES representative cited Article 4, section B, of that legislation, which establishes among APORDOM's powers the control and oversight of the exploitation, operation and maintenance of private maritime ports under concession or lease from the State.
He also referred to Article 8, which establishes the functions of the Board of Directors regarding the regulation of the conditions for the provision of services to ships and cargo.
He also noted that Article 9 gives APORDOM the power to set the rates for services offered to vessels, goods, and users in general.
Based on these provisions, FENABUQUES maintains that the collection mechanisms currently applied should be reviewed to determine their correspondence with current legislation.
They are protesting customs requirements
The MSMEs grouped in the federation also expressed concern about the requirements of the Hydrocarbons Department of the General Directorate of Customs (DGA), particularly regarding the demand for payments related to waste settlements.
According to De la Rosa, this provision would contradict the provisions of Law 112 on Hydrocarbons, so he requested that the procedure be reviewed by the relevant institutions.
The business leader indicated that this type of requirement represents an additional burden for companies that already face high operating costs.
License for services to vessels
Another obstacle pointed out by the Federation is the requirement of a special license from APORDOM to access the ports and offer certain services, including the supply of fuels, removal of old ropes and scrap metal collection.
Similarly, he questioned this requirement and maintained that he is unaware of the nature of so-called shipchandlers, companies that function as comprehensive suppliers of vessels.
He explained that these businesses offer a wide variety of goods and services necessary for the operation of ships, so he believes that regulations should take into account the nature of that activity.
They highlight contributions to the treasury
The representative highlighted that affiliated companies contribute more than RD$10 million monthly to the State through their obligations to the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), the General Directorate of Customs, the Dominican Port Authority, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
He assured that companies in the sector maintain constant activity in the ports and generate jobs and economic movement by providing specialized services to vessels.
They handle hundreds of thousands of gallons of waste
According to the organization, affiliated companies collect and process around 700,000 gallons of oily waste monthly, mainly waste derived from oils from ships, thermoelectric plants and industries in the country.
The federation explained that these materials undergo treatment processes to convert them into alternative fuel oil.
However, the entity noted that there are currently restrictions preventing companies from marketing this product, even though, it indicated, this activity was previously carried out regularly.
The federation believes that the use of this waste could contribute to the processes of reuse and transformation of materials within a circular economy model.
They warn about possible environmental effects
The companies noted that for more than 30 years they have participated in work related to the management of waste generated by vessels and compliance with the provisions of the MARPOL Convention 1973/78, an international instrument to prevent pollution of the marine environment caused by ships.
They argued that the economic and administrative difficulties faced by companies could affect the continuity of these specialized services.
In that regard, the union considered that the measures denounced should be evaluated taking into account national policies related to environmental protection and the proper management of waste.
They call for consistency with the circular economy
The business organization also linked its demands to the objectives of Law 225-20 on Comprehensive Management and Co-processing of Waste, which promotes mechanisms related to the reduction, reuse and utilization of waste.
In that scenario, the Ship Suppliers stated that the restrictions faced by their members hinder the development of activities related to the recycling, treatment and use of waste.
According to the association, economic and administrative provisions must be harmonized with policies that promote the circular economy and responsible waste management.
They request a dialogue table
Given the difficulties outlined, Fenabuques called upon the Dominican Republic Navy, the Dominican Port Authority, the Association of Shipowners, the General Directorate of Customs, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to establish a dialogue table with representatives of the sector.
The federation proposed that this space allow for the analysis of fees, requirements, and procedures that affect companies and the search for mechanisms that facilitate the development of their operations within the legal framework.
He also proposed moving forward with the development of the regulations for the application of Law 5-23 on Maritime Commerce, in accordance with the provisions of its article 590.
De la Rosa argued that dialogue between public institutions and companies would allow them to address the reported situations and establish clear rules for suppliers of services to ships.
Recommended readings:
- Puerto Plata receives 79% of the country's cruise ship passengers, but its airport doesn't even reach one million passengers
- Puerto Plata receives four cruise ships simultaneously and mobilizes more than 16,700 passengers
- Dominican Republic hosts regional forum to strengthen the maritime and port sector
