Harbour dues to increase under new regulations

Maintenance costs and abandoned vessels among reasons for higher fees

Increased fees to support the maintenance of harbour facilities have been approved in Tynwald.

The Department of Infrastructure's amendments include a 19.26 percent increase in charges for pleasure vessels berthed alongside harbours, reflecting rising maintenance costs and addressing the issue of abandoned vessels.

The new regulations also introduce revised fees for fishing vessels, work boats, large commercial yachts, and tall ships, with fishing vessels now subject to updated charges based on tonnage and other factors.

However, fishing vessels will not face the same 19.26 percent increase as pleasure vessels.

Additionally, a new seasonal charge of £48.50 per metre, with a maximum stay of 60 days, has been introduced for visiting pleasure vessels up to 24 metres in length.

Mooring and pontoon fees will also see revisions, with seasonal and long-stay rates introduced for visiting vessels.

Additional charges for storage, electricity, and miscellaneous harbour services have been updated to ensure financial sustainability.

Tynwald approved the proposal almost unanimously, with only Onchan MHK Julie Edge voting against.