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That goes to prove the point, Neil, in 10 years the cost of ship-fuel has gone up more than 10 times, going by the sums you presented, regardless of whether it's calculated in tonnes or barrels.
So all in all, DHB did well in freezing Port charges, and I daresay any future increase, if at all, would have to be minimal, or again be frozen, as the ferry companies simply can't afford to pay more.
I'm not too sure if a would-be private owner would understand this.
When we consider that DHB have plenty of Port maintenance to carry out, it's clear to see that no private owner would make a profit on the Port without risking bankrupting the ferry-companies through extra charges.
Hope the Government have realised this.