ICS protests at Suez Canal toll increases

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The  International  Chamber  of  Shipping  (ICS) –  the  principal  international  trade  association  for  shipowners,  representing  all  sectors  and  trades  and  over  80%  of  the  world  merchant  fleet  –  has  voiced  serious  concerns  about  toll  increases  just announced  by  the  Suez  Canal  Authority  (SCA),  to  be  implemented  on  1  May  2013.         For  all  but  the  smallest  ships,  the Suez  Canal  toll  increases  range  from  about  3%  to  5%   according  to  tonnage  and  ship  type.    These  follow  across  the  board  increases  of  3%  which  were  implemented  in  March  last  year  despite  industry  protests.