1/4
2020 will be a testing year for NI businesses doing trade with GB.
Obviously #brexit is a major concern.
But there is another financial impact coming our way that will add an extra layer of admin and cost of around £21m a year - Shipping Low Sulphur Surcharge

2/4
Starting 1st Jan 2020 all freight shipped between NI & GB will be subject to this new charge.
Annually 850k freight movements cross the Irish Sea between NI-GB
2018 figs;
Warrenpoint - 101,472
Larne - 200,394
Belfast - 548,035

3/4
The surcharge is calculated on distance ferry sails and if the HGV Trailer is accompanied or unaccompanied
Eg:
Liverpool - Belfast: £33 trailer only or £40 if HGV accompanied
Cairnryan - Larne/Belfast will vary from around £15 to £21 per load
Rate can vary monthly

4/4
This cost cannot be absorbed by any logistics provider & will unfortunately have to be passed along the supply chain to manufacturers, retailers and distributors.
In the year of potential Brexit upheaval for the NI economy, this is an added burden we didn’t need