By Val Matthias. Updated 7:31 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Businesses using the St Vincent and the Grenadines port to unload or load full containers are now facing a new user fee introduced by the Modern Port Operations Company (MPOC).
The fee applies to the destuffing and stuffing of Full Container Load, or FCL, containers within the port.
According to a notice issued by MPOC, the charges took effect on October 1st, 2026.
Under the new fee structure, users will pay 150 dollars per hour, per container, with a minimum chargeable period of two hours.
That means a customer will pay at least 300 dollars per container, even if the destuffing or stuffing operation is completed in less than two hours.
For every additional hour beyond the initial two-hour period, MPOC will charge 200 dollars per hour, per container.
So, based strictly on the fee structure, a three-hour operation would cost 500 dollars, while four hours would cost 700 dollars.
The new charges apply to users and stakeholders involved in FCL container destuffing and stuffing at the port.
MPOC says the measure is intended to promote the efficient use of port facilities, improve operational planning and ensure container-handling activities are carried out in a safe, secure and timely manner.
But for businesses importing goods in full containers, the new fee represents an additional port-related expense that will now have to be factored into their operations.
That could be particularly relevant for retailers and other businesses whose goods arrive in FCL containers.
The MPOC notice does not say that retailers must increase their prices as a result of the new charge.
However, the new charge could also have implications beyond the businesses paying MPOC. Importers and retailers may have to decide whether to absorb the additional cost or pass some or all of it on through the prices of goods and services. The MPOC notice does not indicate how businesses are expected to absorb the new expense, nor does it state that consumer prices will increase.
However, the additional cost could become part of the wider cost of bringing goods into the country, depending on how individual businesses absorb or manage the expense.
MPOC has also placed a number of responsibilities on customers using the service.
Customers must ensure that adequate personnel, equipment, vehicles, documentation, cargo and other resources are available when their approved service period begins.
They must comply with all security and safety requirements governing access to and operations within the port.
The applicable user fee must be paid before the destuffing operation begins, along with any additional applicable fees.
A gate pass will only be issued once all applicable fees have been paid.
Customers are also responsible for removing garbage and other waste originating from their containers from the port.
They must organise their operations so that the approved work is completed within the allocated service period. This means the financial cost is not the only consideration for businesses.
A delay in getting personnel, equipment, vehicles or documentation ready could potentially cause an operation to run beyond its approved period and result in additional charges.
MPOC had invited affected users and stakeholders to a meeting on September 28th to discuss the new fee, operational procedures and other measures before implementation.
The notice says the changes are intended to make container handling more efficient and orderly while improving safety and security within the port.
For businesses, however, the immediate issue is clear, full-container loading and unloading at the port now carries a minimum 300-dollar charge per container, with costs rising when the operation extends beyond two hours.
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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com
