Matson Navigation Co. said it will raise rates on its Hawaii service by $175 per westbound container and $85 per eastbound container, effective Jan. 1.

Matson also said it is raising its terminal handling charge by $50 per westbound container and $25 per eastbound container, also effective Jan. 1.

Matson said the combined increase will result in shipping costs rising by an average of 5.6 percent.

“This rate increase reflects the rise in operating costs that Matson – like almost every other business – is experiencing, and helps support ongoing investments in our Hawaii service,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services.  “While Matson recognizes this is a difficult time economically, this rate adjustment is consistent with our longstanding philosophy of implementing modest, incremental increases as necessary to maintain the highest level of service to our customers.”

Matson is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. of Honolulu.