This bill amends the existing law regarding pilotage rates and charges for services related to the Port of Philadelphia. It introduces new rates for pilotage fees, effective from January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2028, with incremental increases from $17.78 to $18.86 per unit. Additionally, the minimum and maximum unit charges are adjusted to reflect a new maximum of 1,600 units starting January 1, 2026. The bill also updates the charges for various services, including a ship communication charge that increases from $275 to $300, and transport charges that rise from $1,000 to $1,250 for transporting vessels in certain areas.

Furthermore, the bill modifies charges for extra services, such as increasing the fee for vessels anchoring below Brown Shoal from $500 to $750, and raises the charges for vessels transiting the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. It also establishes a new cancellation charge based on minimum pilotage fees when a pilot is dispatched but the trip is canceled for reasons other than weather. The changes aim to modernize the fee structure and ensure that pilotage services remain viable and competitive. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.