WGMA Considers and Rejects Gal-Tex Rate Request

Pilot’s request to raise rates more than 40 percent falls on deaf ears with local industry.

The West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA) met last Friday for the specific purpose of considering, with their industry stakeholders, the pending rate adjustment request from the Galveston-Texas City Pilots. Neils Auland, vice president of the West Gulf Maritime Association, told MarEx, "I expected a good turnout but the meeting exceeded my expectations. We had a large turnout – more than 30 members – and we reached a unanimous agreement to strongly object to the Gal-Tex rate application."

Aalund also told MarEx said that more players in the Gulf Coast industry would likely object to the proposed rate increases. The rate hike cannot take place until the Board of Pilot Commissioners for the Ports of Galveston County calls a public hearing to take action on the request. The multi-year rate increase request totals more than 42 percent.