PLANS that could see ships using Teesport paying an extra £4m a year have been described as a kick in the teeth.

Martyn Pellew, group development director of Teesport owner PD Ports, accused the Government of trying to kill off the ports industry by increasing light dues – a levy on ships using UK ports to pay for the three lighthouse authorities in the UK and Ireland.

Mr Pellew believed the proposed increases, of up to 67 per cent for some ships, could be passed on to consumers buying goods brought in.

He was concerned that ships will bypass the UK and call at ports on the Continent, where no light dues are charged.

A £300m deep sea container terminal – the Northern Gateway – which will allow direct imports into the North from the Far East, is planned for Teesport and could bring 5,500 jobs to the region.

Mr Pellew called on exporters, importers, businesses and consumer groups to approach their local MPs.

He said: “In these difficult economic times, it is a real kick in the teeth for the Government to impose such a significant hike in costs.

“Coming on top of the recent decision to backdate business rates bills, it seems the Government is trying to kill off the ports industry.”

PD Ports estimates that the ships using Teesport will be paying an extra £4m a year.

The fee is calculated according to the gross tonnage of the ship and number of calls per year.

Mr Pellew said: “We have invested heavily in new facilities at the port to attract more ships to come here. Tesco and Asda have built major distribution centres.

“Thousands of jobs are being brought into the area because of the port.”

The Tesco distribution centre alone is expected to create 800 jobs.

An estimated 500,000 jobs in the UK are dependent on the maritime services and it contributes £25bn to GDP.

Yesterday, the Department for Transport made no comment about Mr Pellew’s remarks.

The Government has published a consultation document, which can be found at dft.gov.uk. Comments must be submitted by May 18.