Having absorbed the additional cost of rising fuel prices in previous years, we were forced to add a fuel surcharge to the cost of some of our voyages last year when fuel prices were at their highest levels. During 2008 we spent more than £70,000 extra on fuel (which is almost 12% of the remaining mortgage on Tenacious).
We have been closely monitoring the cost of fuel during 2009 and this recently rose above our budgeted estimate and subsequently just above the level at which we established we would need to apply a fuel surcharge. However, we have taken the decision to NOT apply the fuel surcharge immediately and we will continue to monitor fuel rates.
We would like to ensure that voyage crew are aware that a fuel surcharge could be added to the cost of a booking on future voyages should prices continue to rise.
Please note that fuel surcharges are not applied to those bookings which are already paid for in full. So if you book and pay now you could avoid the extra cost later!!