Pilotage Fee

Pilotage Fee refers to the charge levied by the port's pilotage authority or pilot on the vessel for compulsory or voluntary pilotage services when a ship enters or leaves a port, or navigates through narrow channels or canals. This fee is usually borne by the shipowner or charterer, depending on the trade terms (e.g., FOB, CIF) and charter party clauses (e.g., FIOST). In practice, pilotage fee is part of port disbursements, alongside tugboat fees, berthing fees, tonnage dues, etc. Usage scenarios include: pilotage must be applied for in advance before the vessel arrives; after the pilot boards, fees are calculated based on the vessel's net tonnage, pilotage distance, and time period; surcharges may apply for holidays or night navigation. Precautions: pilotage fees are usually paid directly by the ship to the pilot station, but if the trade contract stipulates that the consignee bears the discharge port charges, clear allocation is required; moreover, pilotage fees are not included in freight unless the charter party provides for 'liner out' or 'berth terms'. Difference from 'tugboat fee': pilotage fee is a service fee for the pilot's navigational advice, while tugboat fee is a physical towing fee for tug assistance in berthing and unberthing. Difference from 'canal fee': canal fee is a transit toll for passing through a canal, while pilotage fee may be listed separately. Foreign trade practitioners should verify the details of port disbursements when quoting to avoid profit loss due to omission of pilotage fees.