The U.S. Coast Guard announced new pilotage rates for 2025 under the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960. The updated rates, which take into account factors like inflation, district operating costs, and an increase in the number of pilots, will result in a 7% rise in pilotage costs compared to the previous year. These changes are made to ensure safe and reliable pilotage services in the Great Lakes, catering to foreign merchant vessels and any U.S. vessel engaged in foreign trade. The Coast Guard reviewed public comments on these changes but made no alterations to the proposed rates.
Simple Explanation
The Coast Guard is making changes to what ships have to pay to travel through the Great Lakes in 2025, raising the cost by 7% because more pilots are needed and things are getting more expensive, like how your toys might cost more next year than they do now.