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Representatives of cruise lines, two major ports and various maritime businesses blasted a rate increase requested by Tampa Bay harbor pilots Wednesday at the first public hearing on the issue.
Speakers warned the proposed 27 percent increase over three years would punish shippers struggling with the weak economy and high fuel costs. Local pilots, who earn more than $250,000 a year directing huge ships through Tampa Bay, already charge the highest fees in Florida.
"The cruise industry is ... challenged by historical fuel increases and associated increases in expenses for goods and services," said Matthew Sams, a vice president of Holland America Lines. "It is simply unfathomable to us how the pilots think they have the right to ignore current economic realities."...
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