Shipping Australia has taken aim at Fremantle Ports over fee hikes it says will hit WA households and businesses hard, describing the increases as “massive” and unjustified.

From October 1, mooring fees at the state-owned port will surge 295% to $3,300 for vessels over 5,000 tonnes, up from $835.

Other charges are also rising sharply. A 40-foot container wharfage fee will jump from $187 to $266, while a “port improvement” levy will rise 41% to $45.

Shipping Australia says the increases are a “cash grab” and warned that the timing, before infrastructure upgrades are complete, is unfair.

The WA government defends the hikes, saying Fremantle remains competitive with other capital city ports and that the charges fund critical upgrades needed to handle larger vessels and future trade growth.

However, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) expressed concern that rising port fees could burden exporters and consumers, reiterating the need for fair pricing that supports investment without excessive costs.

Shipping Australia is now calling on WA Premier Roger Cook to intervene and has renewed calls for federal regulation of port charges, warning that unregulated pricing is a national issue.

The backlash follows years of growing frustration from shipping lines and freight operators over rising “access fees” across Australian ports.

Fremantle Ports maintains the changes are essential to deliver on its 2027 Strategic Plan.