Matson, Inc., a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, has announced that Matson Navigation Company, Inc. (Matson) will raise its rates for the company’s Guam/Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) and Micronesia services by $225 for both westbound and eastbound containers, effective January 25, 2015.  The increase will be filed with the Surface Transportation Board and the Federal Maritime Commission.  The rate increase also applies to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. There will be no adjustment made to the company’s terminal handling charge (THC). “This is Matson’s second rate increase for Guam/CNMI and Micronesia in four years,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services.  “During that time, our operating costs have continued to rise, necessitating this adjustment. The increase will also support ongoing investments in our service to the region.  Matson continues to diligently look for ways to operate the most efficient, cost effective service possible, without undercutting our standards of quality.  In the past decade, Matson has invested nearly $1 billion in four new containerships, fleet enhancements, new container equipment, information technology and upgrades to its terminal facilities. Last year, the company announced that it is investing $418 million in two new 3,600 TEU containerships that will be deployed in our Hawaii service and will transport Guam cargo from the U.S. West Coast to Honolulu.  Matson remains committed to continuing to provide Guam and Micronesia with a modern, reliable ocean transportation infrastructure.”