Matson Navigation Co. said it will raise its fuel surcharge to 20 percent from 16.5 percent for its Hawai'i service effective June 21 due to rising fuel costs.

It is the second time in two months that Matson will have raised the surcharge. That followed six consecutive decreases in the fuel surcharge from August through November 2008.
In addition to the increase for its Hawai’i service, Matson is also raising the rate on its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia service to 21.5 percent from 18 percent.
“As many of our customers are aware, fuel prices escalated dramatically in the past month,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president for ocean services.
“Fuel-related costs directly impact Matson and other transportation companies’ operating costs and are an unavoidable expense,” Hoppes said. “We are hopeful that fuel prices will begin to moderate. However, if they do not decline soon, Matson will need to make further upward adjustments,” he added.