Sea Transport Policy Notice: Regulation of Channel Island Ferry Services

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A decision made 14 July 2014:

Decision Reference: MD-E-2014-0059
Decision Summary Title :	Sea Transport Policy Notice		Date of Decision Summary:	14 July 2014
Decision Summary Author:	Maritime Compliance Manager		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	Sea Transport Policy: Direction to the Harbour Master concerning Ferry Services		Date of Written Report:	14 July 2014
Written Report Author:	Maritime Compliance Manager		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Sea Transport Policy Notice - Regulation of Channel Island Ferry Services
Decision(s): The Minister decided to write to the Harbour Master to issue a new Direction concerning an updated Sea Transport Policy.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Economic Development Minister made a statement to the States Assembly, on 14 July 2014 amending the policy of the States on sea transport as referred to in Regulation 5 (6) of the Harbours (Jersey) Regulations 1962. The current Policy notice was issued on 12 December 2012. This needs updating in the light of the proposal for a new long-term Agreement with Condor Ferries in order to secure essential sea transport services for the future.
Resource Implications: There are no additional resource implications arising from this decision.
Action required: The Minister will sign and send the associated Direction to the Harbour Master. Greffier of the States requested to make arrangements for the report to be presented to the States Assembly. This will contain the letter of Direction to the Harbour Master and the amended Sea Transport Policy.
Signature: Senator A J H Maclean		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Sea Transport Policy Notice: Regulation of Channel Island Ferry Services

SEA TRANSPORT POLICY: DIRECTION TO THE

HARBOUR MASTER CONCERNING FERRY

SERVICES

Report

Background

The Minister for Economic Development made a statement in the Assembly on 14 July 2014. This explained the decision to up-date the existing States Sea Transport Policy and the joint Channel Island Sea Transport position. It prepared the ground for Condor Ferries to apply for a new permit for freight, car and passenger ferry services.

The Issues

The updated policy will bring Ro/Ro freight, car and passenger services operating between Jersey and the United Kingdom within the scope of services that require a permit and authorises a maximum seven-year duration for a permit, followed by a three-year widening down period if required.

These changes are to help ensure the long-term security of supply of Ro/Ro freight and combined passenger and private vehicle services.

Under Regulation 5(6)(a) of the Harbours (Jersey) Regulations 1962 and when dealing with any application for a permit, the Harbour Master must take account of the policy of the States as conveyed to him by the Minister.

Conclusion

The Minister has therefore decided to write to the Harbour Master so as to clarify the above points and to issue the revised policy as a formal notice in accordance with the legislation.

14 July 2014