Matson Navigation Company Inc., the state's largest shipping company, said yesterday it will raise its fuel surcharge from 13 percent to 15 percent Jan. 1 because of record-high fuel prices.

The fuel surcharge hike is Matson's fourth this year.

Matson increased its fuel surcharge to 10.5 percent from 9.2 percent in April, to 11.5 percent in July, and then to 13 percent in October.

Matson also announced last month it will raise its basic rate 3.9 percent on Jan. 1 to help pay for new, modern ships. The company also announced a terminal handling charge increase of $60 per westbound container and $30 per eastbound container.

"Bunker fuel prices continue to be at or near record-high levels," said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president of ocean services.

"For transportation companies, fuel consumption is an unavoidable and significant component of operating costs. Our review process involves analysis of quarterly bunker fuel prices and market projections, as opposed to reacting to short-term fluctuations in costs.

"In the past three months, bunker fuel prices have risen over 21 percent, necessitating this new adjustment. In total, the price that Matson has paid for fuel has risen 68 percent in the past year. We are anticipating a continued rising trend in fuel prices over the next quarter."