Wrangell assembly raises rates for lightering cruise passengers to shore

WRANGELL — Cruise ship operators that lighter their passengers to shore will pay higher port fees starting this summer in Wrangell.

The borough assembly unanimously approved the new rate structure Jan. 9, following a port commission recommendation.

The rates had been set at 40% of the cost of tying up to the dock, with the new fee structure raising that to 60%. The increase in lightering fees is intended to encourage more ships to tie up at the dock rather than anchor offshore, Interim Borough Manager Mason Villarma told the assembly.

Wrangell should be competitive in its rates but not too low...