Agenda Document Pack - Harbours Sub-Committee - 04/12/2025
Moray Council · 4 December 2025
Back to Harbours Sub-Committee — 4 December 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Harbours Sub-Committee Thursday, 04 December 2025 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Meeting of the Harbours Sub-Committee is to be held at Council Chambers, Council Office, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX on Thursday, 04 December 2025 at 09:30. BUSINESS 1. Sederunt 2. Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests * 3. Minutes of meeting dated 22 October 2025 5 - 8 4. Written Questions ** 5. Marine Safety and Operational Summary for period 2025 Q2 to 31 October Report by Executive Director Economy Enterprise and Operations 9 - 48 Summary of Harbour Sub Committee Functions To fulfil the role of Duty Holder as described in the Port Marine Safety Code, and to provide strategic oversight and direction for harbour operations, giving greater focus and clarity on the Council’s role as harbour authority. Page 1
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Watching the Meeting You can watch the webcast live by going to: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_43661.html Webcasts are available to view for 1 year following the meeting. You can also attend the meeting in person. If you wish to attend in person, please come to the High Street entrance door and a member of staff will let you into the Chamber. Page 2
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GUIDANCE NOTES * Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests - The Chair of the meeting shall seek declarations from any individual or political group at the beginning of a meeting whether any prior decision has been reached on how the individual or members of the group will vote on any item(s) of business on the Agenda, and if so on which item(s). A prior decision shall be one that the individual or the group deems to be mandatory on the individual or the group members such that the individual or the group members will be subject to sanctions should they not vote in accordance with the prior decision. Any such prior decisions will be recorded in the Minute of the meeting. ** Written Questions - Any Member can put one written question about any relevant and competent business within the specified remits not already on the agenda, to the Chair provided it is received by the Proper Officer or Committee Services by 5pm three working days prior to the day of the meeting, please see Standing Order 36 for deadlines. A copy of any written answer provided by the Chair will be published on the Council’s committee management system by 12pm the day before the meeting. The Member who has put the question may, after the answer has been published, may ask one supplementary question directly related to the subject matter at the meeting, but no discussion will be allowed. No supplementary question can be put or answered more than 10 minutes after the Council has started on the relevant item of business, except with the consent of the Chair. If a Member does not have the opportunity to put a supplementary question because no time remains, then he or she can submit it in writing to the Proper Officer who will arrange for a written answer to be provided within 7 working days. Page 3
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MORAY COUNCIL Harbours Sub-Committee SEDERUNT Councillor Marc Macrae (Chair) Councillor Amber Dunbar (Depute Chair) Councillor James Allan (Member) Councillor Neil Cameron (Member) Councillor Tracy Colyer (Member) Councillor Sonya Warren (Member) Clerk Name: Lissa Rowan Clerk Telephone: 01343563015 Clerk Email: lissa.rowan@moray.gov.uk Page 4
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MORAY COUNCIL Minute of Meeting of the Harbours Sub-Committee Wednesday, 22 October 2025 Council Chambers, Council Office, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX PRESENT Councillor James Allan, Councillor Neil Cameron, Councillor Amber Dunbar, Councillor Marc Macrae, Councillor Sonya Warren APOLOGIES Councillor Tracy Colyer IN ATTENDANCE Executive Director Economy, Enterprise, and Operations; Head of Operations and Environment; Service Manager Harbours; and L Rowan, Committee Services Officer. ALSO PRESENT BY INVITATION Richard Vaughan, ABP Marine Environmental Research Ltd (Designated Person) 1 Chair Councillor Macrae chaired the meeting. 2 Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests In terms of Standing Orders 21 and 23 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, there were no declarations from Group Leaders or Spokespersons in regard to any prior decisions taken on how Members will vote on any item on the agenda or any declarations of Member’s interests in respect of any item on the agenda. 3 Written Questions The Committee noted that no written questions had been submitted. 4 Marine Safety and Operational Summary for period 2024 Q4 to 2025 Q1 The meeting had before it a report by the Executive Director Economy, Enterprise and Operations informing the Committee on matters of Marine Safety and compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) for the year 2024/25 Q4 and 2025/26 Q1. Item 3. Page 5
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The Chair welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the Moray Harbour Sub- Committee and introduced Richard Vaughan from ABP Marine Environmental Research Ltd who had been appointed as the Designated Person by the Council. Mr Vaughan shared a presentation detailing the findings of the audit that he had carried out earlier in the year. In summary, the audit identified fourteen non- compliances and fifty-one improvement opportunities under the updated Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC). In general, Mr Vaughan found that Harbours within Moray are well-kept and safe with staff showing strong local knowledge and displaying good practices including water safety education for schoolchildren and regular user engagement meetings. This positive observation is important context when considering the later findings of non- compliances and improvement opportunities which are mainly procedural and not indicative of unsafe harbour conditions. Non-Compliances The audit highlighted several areas where Moray Council's harbour operations did not meet the updated Port Marine Safety Code which in the main were paperwork based and could be rectified quickly. These included the absence of formal vessel traffic risk assessments, a missing enforcement policy, and incomplete documentation of staff responsibilities. The Marine Safety Plan was outdated and difficult to access, and Buckie North Quayside was found to be in poor condition, resulting in a safety risk. Additionally, competence standards and training procedures were unclear, and the Council lacked general direction powers under current legislation. Observations Several improvement opportunities were identified during the harbour audit, including clearer documentation, better user awareness, and more robust operational procedures. Safety concerns were raised about paddleboarding at Hopeman Harbour due to visibility issues. The audit also recommended clearer procedures for issuing special vessel directions and the development of towage guidelines and risk assessment standards. The Head of Operations and Environment advised that, since completing the audit, Paul Jennings, Service Manager Harbours had been appointed and that updates to the Harbour Safety Management System and a new Marine Safety Plan (2025-2028) had been completed and ready for approval. She further highlighted the introduction of duty holder training, enforcement policies, and risk assessments. During discussion, the Committee raised a number of points including near miss incident reporting and the performance of the dredger. In response, the Head of Operations and Environment advised of improved dredging operations and vessel reliability with more than 10,000 tonnes removed to date. Regarding the reporting of near miss incidents, she advised that an online near miss reporting system had been introduced so that members of the public can report near misses at any time from their mobile devices. Page 6
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The Committee welcomed the report and audit findings and thereafter unanimously agreed to: (i) note the findings of the PMSC audit carried out by the Designated Person (ABPmer) as set out in Appendix 1 Section A; (ii) note the safety performance as set out in the report, fulfilling their function as Duty Holder under the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) as set out in Appendix 1 Section B; (iii) note the actions taken against the observations in the PMSC audit report to achieve compliance with the PMSC as set out in paragraph 4.7 and Appendix 1 section A of the report; (iv) approve v8 of the Marine Safety Management System, which is updated to achieve compliance with the revised PMSC as set out in Appendix 2 of the report; (v) approve the revised Marine Safety Plan and associated KPIs for 2005-2008 as set out in paragraph 4.8 of the report; and (vi) note the harbours financial position set out in paragraphs 4.9-4.15, operations activity report set out in paragraphs 4.16-4.21, and conservancy reports set out in Section 5 of the report. Page 7
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Report to: Harbours Sub Committee Meeting Date: 4 December 2025 Report by: Executive Director Economy, Enterprise and Operations Author: Paul Jennings Contact Email: paul.jennings@moray.gov.uk Subject: Marine Safety and Operational Summary for period 2025 Q2 to 31 October 1. PURPOSE ☒ For Decision ☐ For Information 1.1 The purpose of this report is to inform the Harbour Sub Committee (HSC) on matters of Marine Safety and compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) for the year 2025/26 Q2 and part of Q3 until 31 October 2025. 1.2 This report is submitted to the Harbour Sub Committee in terms of Section III (F) (25) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to the functions of Council as Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA). 2. SUMMARY 2.1 The report sets out safety and key operational indicators for the harbours, a financial overview, reports against the Marine Safety Plan KPIs and the progress towards compliance with the April 2025 Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC). 2.2 It should be noted that a revised PMSC was released by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in April 2025. The Moray Harbours annual PMSC audit was also conducted in April 2025, against the updated code, by newly appointed auditors. The updated PMSC is much more prescriptive in how harbours and facilities now “must” be managed and operated. This change of emphasis resulted in the need to further develop and amend the Marine Safety Management System to achieve full compliance with the code. The MCA have announced the next PMSC Compliance Exercise will open on 1 January 2026 and close on 31 March 2026. The ability to declare partial compliance will also be an option during the next Compliance Exercise. 2.3 The harbours financial position to 31 October of the financial year is presented and on budget. The proposed Schedule of Fees and Charges for the harbours for the FY 2026/27 is included for HSC consideration prior to it going to Council for approval. Updates with regard to operational activity and conservancy of the harbours are also included. Item 5. Page 9
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2.4 It should be noted that following recent engineering surveys important remedial works have been identified as being required at Buckie North Pier, Cullen West Pier and Portknockie Middle Pier. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Sub Committee: i) consider and note the actions taken against achieving compliance with the PMSC (para 4.7 ); ii) note the reported progress against the KPIs for the Marine Safety Plan 2025- 2028, fulfilling their function as Duty Holder under the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) (para 4.8 & 4.9); iii) consider and note the Schedule of Fees and Charges for the 2026/2027 financial year (para 5.7 and Appendix 1) and recommend their adoption to full council for approval; and iv) note the harbours financial position (Section 5.0), operations activity report (Section 6.0), and conservancy reports (Section 7.0). Paul Jennings Interim Service Manager Harbours 4. PORT MARINE SAFETY CODE AUDIT 4.1 Under the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) the Council must appoint a Duty Holder to ensure that compliance with the PMSC is achieved. The council must provide a report on PMSC performance on an annual basis. 4.2 The role of Duty Holder is held by members of this HSC. The role provides accountability for ensuring the organisation’s compliance with the PMSC and their organisation’s performance in ensuring safe marine operations. This report provides information on which to base assessment of compliance and safe operations. It should be noted that duty holders are required to be conversant with PMSC and its content. Duty Holders should undergo training to discharge their duty. For those current committee members who require training or wish refresher training, they can undertake online webinar training hosted by the British Ports Association. Future training dates have been circulated to the members of the HSC that have yet to conduct this training and they have booked onto the courses. Dates of Duty Holder training are now recorded in the MSMS, along with operational harbour visits conducted by Duty Holders. 4.3 The Harbour Authority appoints a suitably qualified person to act as the Designated Person (DP) – their function is to provide independent assurance that the Marine Safety Management System is working effectively and to audit compliance with the PMSC. The DP role is now undertaken by ABPmer following a procurement exercise earlier this year. 4.4 The PMSC was revised and updated on 15 April 2025. Moray Council must now demonstrate compliance against the revised PMSC. It should be noted the updated PMSC Page 10
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code is much more prescriptive in how harbours and facilities now “must” or “shall” be managed and operated, where previously it advised they “should” or “may” be operated. This change of emphasis has caused the need for the Marine Safety Management System to be further developed to achieve full compliance with the code. The audit report covers 179 areas, has 114 compliant areas, 51 recommendations and 14 areas of non- compliance with the PMSC, including the need for a new Marine Safety Plan. It also highlights two areas identified as best practice. A declaration of compliance (or partial compliance) with the PMSC should be lodged with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) between 1 January 2026 and 31 March 2026. The aim is to achieve full compliance with the PMSC so this can be reported as such to the MCA during this period. 4.5 Moray Council, in its capacity as a Statutory Harbour Authority, is committed to undertaking and regulating marine operations to safeguard all its harbour areas, the users, the public and the environment through its Marine Safety Management System (MSMS). The new PMSC includes requirements which necessitated the latest revision to the MSMS including a new MSP. The MSMS was updated and approved by this Sub Committee on 22 October 2025 to include these requirements (para 4 of the Minute refers). The MSMS is a live document, which includes a Marine Safety Plan (MSP) that should be approved by the Duty Holder and reviewed and reported against on at least an annual basis. 4.6 There was one reported injury ashore prior to 31 October 2025. This has resulted in an insurance claim. There were no reported near misses and no incidents afloat. The Navigational Safety Risk Assessment for each harbour, reviewed annually or after each reported incident, subsequently has no changes. Mechanisms to better promote incident and near miss reporting will be sought and recommended for future implementation. 4.7 A full annual audit of Moray Council’s compliance with the recently updated 2025 PMSC was carried out by the newly appointed ABPmer in their capacity as the Designated Person. This audit, which is more detailed than previous reports, was conducted 8-10 April 2025 concluding that the Moray Council harbours were not compliant with the revised 2025 Port Marine Safety Code, where it had been compliant with the previous version of the PMSC. The Audit Report identified14 non-compliances and 51 observations where improvement can be made out of 179 areas audited. The majority of the non-compliances have been rectified by redrafting the MSMS to include additional and more specific references to the structural processes underpinning the harbours management, in accordance with the importance and emphasis now placed with regard to such matters in the revised PMSC. Specific operational procedures relating to pilotage, training and competence have also been identified as needing improvement to be compliant with the new PMSC. These procedures have been addressed or are currently being addressed. It is expected the harbours operated by Moray Council will be compliant with the revised PMSC by the time of the triennial compliance reporting exercise to the MCA, in the first quarter of 2026. 4.8 Summary of non-compliances raise in the April 2025 PSMC audit Subject Evidence required for compliance Recommendations Current compliance status Assessment of Vessel Traffic Management Has a Formal Risk Assessment (FRA) been conducted into the An FRA needs to be conducted to determine the level of Vessel Traffic Risk Assessments and Operational procedures to be updated. Page 11
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using Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 401 (MCA, 2022) requirement for a Vessel Traffic Service. Management required at each of the harbour areas. Work commenced. Target date: 31/12/25 Dangerous Vessels If the Organisation is a Harbour Authority, are powers to issue Dangerous Vessels Directions by the Harbour Master included in the MSMS? A detailed procedure should be produced. Dangerous Vessel policy and procedure to be written and integrated into the MSMS. Ensure required staff knowledge is captured on competency records. Staff trained and assessed. Target date: 31/12/25 Pilotage Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) Has an FRA been conducted into the requirement for Pilotage? Is the Organisation a CHA? An FRA for the requirement of pilotage should be conducted for all harbours. FRAs to include an assessment for all harbours and update the Buckie FRA to clarify the Buckie pilotage jurisdiction. Work commenced Target date: 31/12/25 MSMS Accountability Officers Does the MSMS define the appointment of Officers and their delegated powers, duties and responsibilities? Include descriptions for each of the roles in the Organisation Chart. MSMS updated for Duty Holder approval. Complete. Enforcement Policy Is there clear policy on enforcement and prosecution? A policy on enforcement must be produced and approved by the Duty Holder. Enforcement policy drafted and with legal service for verification prior to being brought to Duty Holder for approval and integration into the MSMS. Work commenced Target date: 31/01/26 MSMS review Does the MSMS incorporate a regular and systematic review of its performance? The MSMS must incorporate a regular and systematic review of its performance. MSMS updated to include a review policy for Duty Holder approval. Complete. Competence (Trained, Qualified, Experienced) Are National Occupational Standards (NOS), or an equivalent, NOS, or an equivalent, should be reviewed and applicable Competencies for tasks conducted by harbours staff created and Page 12
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used in recruiting and training? elements incorporated. reference against NOS where possible. Complete. Is there a methodology for assessing personnel against the set standards? To ensure that competent persons are employed Moray Council should develop an assessment methodology. Competency matrix for staff developed. Complete. Are existing staff reviewed to ensure they meet the standards set? NOS or an equivalent should be reviewed and applicable elements incorporated. Competency matrix for staff developed. Complete. Publication of a Marine Safety Plan (MSP) Has the Organisation published a MSP? In order to comply with this ‘Key Measure’ the Marine Safety Plan needs to be clearly published. Marine Safety Plan with KPIs submitted to Duty Holder for approval. Complete. MSP Review Is the MSP reviewed and is this review published? The review requirements around the MSP should be captured within the HSMS. MSMS re-drafted to define review procedure and periodicity. Complete. MSP Timing Is the MSP in date and within its three-year period? The outdated MSP, should be reviewed and a new plan published. MSP submitted for Duty Holder approval. Complete. Conservancy Introduction Are the marine facilities in good repair and fit for purpose? The Council should consider its responsibility under The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. There is an inspection plan for harbour facilities and structures against the asset register. It is current practice to log defects and prioritise repairs. Need to consider closing unsafe areas until repaired. Complete. Harbour Authority Conservancy Duty Buckie North Quay surface condition severely deteriorated. Poses risk to staff and users accessing that part of the harbour. Priority 1 repair requested. Area requires closed to pedestrians and vehicles. Page 13
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Risk to be managed compliantly pending full repair. Harbour Authority Conservancy Duty Is there a Harbour Authority' recognition of the ‘duty to conserve’ and/or ‘reasonable care’ statement? Add a statement regarding the Council’s legal duties to the HSMS. Statement added to MSMS revision. Complete. 4.9 The Marine Safety Plan Following approval of the Marine Safety Plan by this Sub-Committee on 22 October 2025, the agreed KPIs for the 2025-2028 period are shown in the table below with the latest results. The plan is based upon marine safety management requirements, conservancy requirements, compliance requirements, the financial situation, growth potential, harbours user and community consultation. Moray Harbours MSP 2025-2028 1. Full compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code. KPI indicator: No non compliances reported against the PMSC audit. Update Nov 2025 4 Non-compliance actions outstanding 2. Incident reporting improved. KPI indicator: Improved near miss reporting methodologies with better public access to reporting systems. Update Nov 2025 Public and staff online reporting system in design stage. Incidents investigated within 2 weeks of the date reported. Update Nov 2025 All incidents investigated within time limit 3. Harbour infrastructure maintained to ensure all commercial contracts can be fulfilled. KPI indicator: No reported delays to commercial contracts due to infrastructure issues. Update Nov 2025 All contracts running smoothly AtoN availability in accordance with NLB reporting requirements Update Nov 2025 AtoN availability is currently 100% but will take 36 months to achieve full NLB compliance. Commercial quayside lighting at 100% availability Update Nov 2025 At 100% for the quarter Page 14
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Pilot boat availability at 95%. Update Nov 2025 At 100% for quarter Commercial quays and approaches dredged to declared depths for commercial customers. Update Nov 2025 At 100% for the quarter 4. Harbour staff competent in their core roles. KPI indicator: Competence matrix measured at competent or awaiting assessment, for all staff with more than six months service. Update Nov 2025 At 100% for the quarter All Duty Holders completed training within 6 months of appointment Update Nov 2025 5/6 Duty Holders trained 5. Traffic management reviews conducted for all harbours, to minimise risk between all types of harbour user. KPI indicator: Traffic management reviewed by March 2027. Update Nov 2025 Buckie TMP to be completed by end of FY25/26 Q4 Actions from traffic management plans in place by March 2028. Update Nov 2025 In progress 6. Harbours Website updated. KPI indicator: New website to include all relevant compliance, navigational and conservancy information, including the MSP and reported progress against the plan. Update Nov 2025 Collating data ready for website update 7. Leisure berth occupancy maximised No unsold leisure berths Update Nov 2025 Zero unsold berths Waiting lists numbers above zero for all harbours Update Nov 2025 All waiting lists have above 20 names 8. Harbour quayside space used to maximise, safety, community benefit and income at all harbours. One improvement or service provided following suggestions by the relevant Harbour User Groups, implemented at, Burghead, Hopeman, Findochty, Portknockie and Cullen Harbours by March 2027. Page 15
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Update Nov 2025 Alternative storage sites being sought to free up quayside space for initiative options 5. FINANCIAL REPORT 5.1 Financial report A summary of the financial position of the harbours revenue and capital plans is included below. This years’ capital figures are broken down by task. 5.2 Harbours Revenue Income and Expenditure All Harbours revenue figures to the end of October 2025. Annual Budget Budget to 31/10 Actual at 31/10 Income (£1,192,696) (£777,326) (£769,885) Expenditure £945,611 £462,828 £546,159 Net (£247,085) (£314,498) (£223,726) 5.3 Revenue income up to 31 October 2025 includes most income expected from the leisure harbours. The commercial harbour income will continue to be received as invoices are paid for services offered throughout the year. Income is as forecast. Expenditure is slightly ahead of forecast. This is mostly due to increased staff costs for absence cover, associated costs to comply with the new work boat code and legal fees. 5.4 Cargo income to date is slightly lower (approx. 7%) than forecast due a reduced demand for malt cargo imports in comparison to previous years. 5.5 Harbours capital expenditure plan for 2025/26 2025/26 Planned Capital expenditure is £698,000 Project Approved Budget Spend to date Notes Buckie navigation light £125,000 £109,450 Works completed. Risks that were allocated budget were not realised. Buckie weighbridge £22,000 £22,000 Works complete. Weighbridge operational. Buckie Pier 1 joints £124,000 £10,000 Design agreed. Tenders received and work appointed. Full amount will be spent. Burghead sheet pile repairs £245,000 £218,310 Work complete. Portknockie north wall repairs £114,000 £95,720 Work complete Page 16
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Portknockie middle pier repair design £35,000 £24,773 Survey and design report received. Further survey and design work required. Portknockie pontoon replacement design work. £33,000 £0 Design works to be initiated Q4. Cullen West Pier survey and repair design £49,000 £0 Initial survey works complete. This has identified further survey work is required. Total £747,000 £480,253 5.6 Capital expenditure is aligned with the identified engineering projects which are scheduled following routine inspection and condition reports. The completed works include the replacement Buckie navigation light, an extension to the Buckie weighbridge platform, the Portknockie north wall repairs and the Burghead inner quay sheet piling repairs. The Buckie pier one repairs have been appointed to a contractor and are planned to commence in November. An engineering report to establish the condition of the Portknockie middle pier identified extensive further works are required. This will delay the new pontoon installation but not the design work. A new survey of Cullen west pier and the north pier, commissioned after new movement was observed in the structures following the last storm, has identified that significant additional structural repairs are required. The feasibility works have been added to the capital works plan. 5.7 A review of the Schedule of Fees and Charges has been undertaken and is included at Appendix 1. The list is updated as part of the annual review of fees and charges and also maximise potential income against market standards. In general, a 5% uplift is proposed to cover inflation. The list also includes all the necessary additional charges for expected activity in the 2026/27 financial year. The HSC will be asked to note the updated Schedule of Fees and Charges from a Duty Holder perspective, prior to Schedule of Fees and Charges being submitting to Council for final budgetary approval for financial year 2026/27. 6. OPERATIONAL REPORT 6.1 Operational Report Incidents Reported Page 17
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2024/25 Injuries Incidents Near Misses Q1 0 2 0 Q2 1 0 0 Q3 0 1 0 Q4 0 0 0 Total 1 3 0 2025/26 Q1 0 0 0 Q2/3 to 31 Oct 1 0 0 6.2 Incident reporting and near miss reporting remains low. The was one injury reported, a member of the public falling off their bicycle at a harbour. Initiatives to increase the level of near miss reporting, as well as the reporting of incidents, will be sought, advertised to users and implemented. The Marine Safety Plan includes and monitors this initiative, reporting accordingly. 6.3 Pilotage Pilotage is not compulsory at Buckie harbour, and therefore not all cargo movements require the services of a pilot. The number of pilotage acts carried out in the last 6 months is: Period Vessel movements Piloted vessel movements FY 25/26 Q1 24 12 FY 25/26 Q2 24 17 FY 25/26 Q3 (to 31 Oct) 6 2 6.4 In order to increase resilience in pilotage the harbour management team is seeking to expand the relief pool of available qualified pilots. The position is currently being advertised. 6.5 The harbour workboat, which is also coded for pilot boat use, is fully operational. The vessel has recently had an unannounced MCA inspection and her annual MCA survey, both of which she passed. The vessel also recently had her annual maintenance slipping and is compliant with all current legislation and requirements applicable to work boats and pilot boats of her class. 6.6 Staffing, Training and Competence An additional harbour assistant is now trained, qualified and competent to act as coxswain for the harbour workboat in both general duties and pilotage duties. Staffing of the workboat remains very tight. A solution to improve the pool of staff available is being progressed in the same way as the pilot position, with the position currently advertised. This is in accordance with the staff competency matrix which is now linked to National Occupational Standards for the sector. 7. CONSERVANCY 7.1 Aids to Navigation Page 18
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The tables below summarise the availability of Navigational lights under Moray Council’s responsibility. Figure 1. Availability during the last twelve months 7.2 Figure 2. Availability during the last 36 months. 7.3 The ‘Availability Objective’ is calculated over a rolling 36 month period. Now that all the navigation light faults have been rectified and the new solar lights have been installed, the required availability has now been achieved over the last 12 months, yet it will take some time for the 36 month average target availability to be attained. 7.4 Dredging MV Selkie is in a very good overall operational condition. The vessel is due its second, 5 year survey, between 12 January 2026 and 12 April 2026. This will involve a slipping and inspection period by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency surveyors. The inspection and the associated slipping has been book at the shipyard for March 2026. 7.5 The maintenance plan for the excavator fitted to MV Selkie was changed at the end of Q1 and implemented for Q2 of this year. The inspection regime has been increased to monthly and components identified to be at risk of failure (the main cause of breakdown) are now exchanged prior to failure, outside of the crewed the operational cycle of the vessel. This improves vessel availability and the cost efficiency per tonne of dredged material. The aim is to also improve operational availability. Moray Council Fleet services currently support the inspection, planned maintenance and repair of the excavator. 7.6 To date this maintenance plan is showing signs of significant improvement for the excavator availability compared to the previous two years where a ‘fix when a component fails’ maintenance programme was in place. This is largely thanks to both Fleet Service department staff and vessel staff who fully support this methodology. The table below Page 19
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shows the difference of the vessels availability whilst being maintained under the two maintenance regimes. N.B. There was a significant component failure in Q1. The excavator is nearing its end of life and does require replaced. This remains a risk factor to operational availability despite the new maintenance plan. FY 25/26 Working Days Weather Delay Days Maintenance Days Working Day % Q1 14 6 38 24 Q2 40 11 3 74 Q3 (to 31 Oct) 12 4 0 75 7.7 Year Working Days Weather Delay Days Maintenance Days Working Day % Tonnage Removed 2025/26 YTD 66 21 41 52 11260 2024/25 32 12 91 24 9,012 2023/24 62 58 28 42 8,472 2022/23 94 68 46 46 12,880 2021/22 77 62 59 39 14,120 2020/21 38 14 47 39 11,240 7.8 Tonnage removed per harbour during 2024/25 Harbour Tonnage removed Buckie 9012 7.9 Tonnage removed per harbour during 2025/26 Q1 & Q2 Harbour Q1 Q2 Q3 (to 31 Oct) Buckie 1,360 4,440 1200 Burghead 400 2,020 0 Findochty 0 1,000 0 Portknockie 0 240 600 7.10 Dredging at Buckie is to the contracted depth. 7.11 At Burghead the groin is now repaired, and a bathymetric survey was conducted in June 2025. This demonstrates that the charted depth is still accurate and navigation safe in this area. This also indicates that the current depths at Burghead are not unusual. 7.12 There was good dredging progress at Burghead through the good weather of the summer months. If there is a desire to achieve access through the majority of the tidal range then extensive additional dredging will be required. There has been a considerable build-up of sand in the approaches due to a lack of dredging in 2024 and the previous failure of the groin to the south of the approaches, which was designed to slow the movement of sand. Page 20
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7.13 The operational ambition is to lower the depth of the approaches, then resurvey prior to submitting the survey data and updating the charted depth. Then maintain this lower depth and the accessibility of the harbour at as wide a range of the tide as is practicable. 7.14 Dredging targets at Findochty are complete for 2025. 7.15 Dredging targets at Portknockie are complete for 2025. 7.16 Infrastructure The capital plan is addressing the harbour wall infrastructure issues raised by the routine periodic surveys. Some further items of infrastructure may need to be brought into this routine survey programme, such as bollard surveys. This will add additional pressure to the maintenance budget. 7.17 The recent engineering survey at Portknockie exposed greater structural degradation of middle pier than expected. It is intended to restricted access to berth holders only whilst repairs are pending due to the uneven surface. 7.18 The ends of the west and north quays at Cullen are also showing signs of structural degradation following recent storms. Again, access may need to be restricted for safety reasons whilst the extent of the required repairs is assessed. 7.19 An additional survey of the north wall at Buckie is required to establish the extent of identified movement in the structure and a repair plan. 7.20 Environment Hundreds of tonnes of old fishing gear has been dumped on council ground at Buckie Harbour over the last few years. The environmental impact and cleanup cost to remove this gear and bring this land back into productive service for the harbour is significant, as there is no recycling or scrap value in these items. A methodology to prevent further dumping of waste fishing gear and to bring these areas back into productive use, is being worked up for Harbour Sub Committee consideration. 8. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS 8.1 The table below shows whether risks and implications apply if the recommendations are agreed: SUBJECT YES NO Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcome Improvement Plan) x Policy and Legal x Financial x Risk x Staffing x Best Value and Transformation x Property x Information Communications Technology/Digital x Page 21
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Equalities. Social Inclusion and Economic Impact x Climate Change and Biodiversity Impact x 8.2 Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP)) Improved Collaborative Leadership, as part of continuous improvement through Best Value, will better enable the Council to fulfil the ambitions set out in its strategic plans. a) Links to Council Corporate Plan – The proposals in this report support and contribute to improved outcomes for communities as outlined in the following Council Plan strategic priorities: ☐ Tackle Poverty and Inequality. ☒ Build Stronger Greener Vibrant Economy. ☒ Build Thriving, resilient, empowered Communities. b) Links to Local Outcomes Improvement Plan – The proposals in this report support and contribute to improved outcomes for communities as outlined in the following Local Outcomes Improvement Plan priorities: ☒ Developing a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable economy ☒ Building a better future for our children and young people in Moray. ☒ Empowering and connecting communities. ☐ Improving wellbeing of our population 8.3 Policy and Legal The Council aims to run the harbours in compliance with the PMSC and within the legislative framework set out for harbours. Non compliance with the code will have legal implications. 8.4 Financial Non compliance with the code may have financial implications. 8.5 Risk Non compliance with the PMSC could result in the prosecution of the authority. 8.6 Staffing There are no staffing implications arising from the report. 8.7 Best Value and Transformation N/A 8.8 Property No property implications arise from the report. 8.9 Information Communications/Technology/Digital No ICT implications arise from the report. 8.10 Equalities, Social Inclusion and Economic Impact There are no specific equalities matters, however, the Equalities Officer has been consulted and comments incorporated into this report. 8.11 Climate Change and Biodiversity Impacts Page 22
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There are no climate change and biodiversity implications arising from this report. 9. CONSULTATION 9.1 This report has been prepared in consultation with the Executive Director Economy, Enterprise and Operations, Head of Operations and Environment, Service Manager, Legal Services, Service Manager, People Management, Senior Engineer (Flood Risk Management), Principal Climate Change Officer, Equalities Officer and L Rowan, Committee Services Officer and any comments made have been incorporated into the report 10. BACKGROUND PAPERS 10.1 N/A Page 23
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APPENDIX 1 Proposed Moray Council Harbours Schedule of Fees and Charges 2026/2027 SECTION I: HARBOURS REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 Commercial harbours Leisure harbours All charges are net of VAT unless indicated Proposed uplift of 5% to most charges I1 Cargo Vessels I1a Cargo Vessel – per 7 days or part thereof (per dead weight all told ton (where GT exceeds DWAT, payment will be based on GT) £0.61 £0.63 April 2025 £0.66 I1b Cruise ships – per 7 days or part thereof (per dead weight all told ton – where GT exceeds DWAT) £0.50 £0.50 April 2024 £0.53 I1c Self Propelled and towed barges per 7 days or part thereof (per m2 or part thereof) £1.18 £1.22 April 2025 £1.28 Page 24
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I1c (i) All CTV per day (per length, per metre or part thereof) All CTV per month (per length, per metre or part thereof) non refundable All CTV per annum (per length, per metre or part thereof) non refundable £4 £81 £851 £4 £84 £882 April 2025 £4.35 £88.11 £926.10 I1d Tugs and maintenance/service vessels – per 7 days or part thereof per m or part thereof £6 Minimum charge £85 £6 Minimum charge £88 April 2025 £6.30 £92.40 l1f Compulsory International Port Waste Fee (General waste only, on arrival per visit) All other waste by special arrangement. £85 £88 April 2025 £92.40 Page 25
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 l1g Storage of cargo equipment on piers and quaysides per 7 days of part thereof (per m² or part thereof) £6 £6 April 2024 £6.30 l1h Handling mooring ropes (per hour or part thereof per person) during normal working hours (08:00 – 18:00) Handling mooring ropes (per hour or part thereof per person – out with normal working hours 18:00 - 08:00) £59 £106 £61 £110 April 2025 £64 £115.50 I1i Passengers embarking and disembarking per trip including pleasure vessels, sea angling and cruise passengers. Excludes passengers on pilot boat and vessels being charged as CTV – per passenger. £1.25 £1.30 April 2025 £1.30 Page 26
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I1j Cleaning of piers following cargo movement – per hour or part thereof £260.14 £270 April 2025 £283.50 I1k Fast Rescue Craft – per entry/departure £58.30 £60 April 2025 £63 I1l Cleaning of Piers when waste left by any vessel (excluding cargo vessels) £53 £55 April 2025 £57.75 I1m Annual compound charge for chartered vessels (including sea angling, wildlife, tourism – charge inclusive of general waste, waste oil and oily waste and passenger fees. Up to 10m – per annum 10m to 15m – per annum £1,057 £1,586 £1,095 £1,643 April 2025 April 2025 £1149.50 £1,725.15 Page 27
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 Over 15m – per annum £2,114 £2,190 April 2025 £2,299.50 I1n Supply of ice: Per tonne Per standard fish box £73 £3 April 2024 April 2023 £76.65 £3.15 I1o ISPS admin fee (for all ISPS registered vessels. Per visit.) New Charge £80 I2 Fishing Vessels I2a Composition Fee (entries to qualify for quarterly composition fee = 3 entries in 1st month) April 2025 Vessels: Under 10m £41.34 £42.83 £44.97 10-17m £62.20 £64.44 £67.66 17-22m £92.34 £95.66 £100.44 Page 28
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 22-26m £113.04 £117.11 £122.97 26-30m £131.90 £136.65 £143.48 Over 30m £214.76 £222.49 £233.61 I2b Single Entry (per 7 days or part thereof – including vessels laid up) Vessels: Under 10m £41.34 £42.83 £44.97 10-17m £62.20 £64.44 £67.66 17-22m £92.34 £95.66 £100.44 22-26m £113.04 £117.11 £122.97 26-30m £131.90 £136.65 £143.48 Over 30m £214.76 £222.49 £233.61 I2e Surcharge after a continuous period of 12 weeks 50% on top of charges above 50% on top of charges above April 2006 Page 29
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 l2f Compulsory domestic vessel waste charge (on arrival, per visit, includes general waste, waste oil and oily waste) Up to 10m Over 10m This charge will be levied on only one occasion per vessel per week £11 £22 £11 £23 April 2021 April 2021 £11.55 £24.15 l2g Storage of Fishing equipment in net storage area (per m² per month or part thereof) £2 £2.07 April 2020 £6.30 I2h Vessels less than or equal to 10m in length engaged in licensed creel fishing Where non declaration of fish landings per quarter, per vessel Recreational dues plus 2% of catch value £444 Recreational dues plus 2% of catch value £458 April 2012 April 2024 Recreational dues plus 2% of catch value £480.90 Page 30
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I3 Recreational Vessels Page 31
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I3a Pontoon Berth - Annual berthing charges (inc VAT) Over 3 - 4m Over 4 - 5m Over 5 – 6m Over 6 – 7m Over 7 – 8m Over 8 – 9m Over 9 – 10m Over 10 – 11m Over 11 – 12m Over 12 – 13m Over 13 – 14m Over 14 – 15m Over 15 – 16m Over 16 – 17m Over 17 – 18m Over 18 – 19m Over 19 – 20m £388 £485 £582 £679 £776 £873 £970 £1,067 £1,164 £1,261 £1,358 £1,455 £1,552 £1,649 £1,746 £1,843 £1,940 £407.40 £509.25 £611.10 £712.95 £814.80 £916.65 £1,018.50 £1,120.35 £1,222.20 £1,324.05 £1,425.90 £1,527.75 £1,629.60 £1,731.45 £1,833.30 £1,935.15 £2,037.00 April 2025 £427.80 £534.70 £641.65 £748.60 £814.80 £916.65 £1,069.40 £1,176.35 £1,283.30 £1,390.25 £1,497.20 £1,604.15 £1,711.10 £1,818.00 £1,924.95 £2031.90 £2138.85 Page 32
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 Each metre thereafter £97 £101.85 £106.95 Page 33
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Wall/Loose Mooring - Annual berthing charges (inc VAT) Over 3 - 4m Over 4 - 5m Over 5 – 6m Over 6 – 7m Over 7 – 8m Over 8 – 9m Over 9 – 10m Over 10 – 11m Over 11 – 12m Over 12 – 13m Over 13 – 14m Over 14 – 15m Over 15 – 16m Over 16 – 17m Over 17 – 18m Over 18 – 19m Over 19 – 20m £324 £405 £486 £567 £648 £729 £810 £891 £972 £1,053 £1,134 £1,215 £1,296 £1,377 £1,458 £1,539 £1,620 £340.20 £425.25 £510.30 £595.35 £680.40 £765.45 £850.50 £935.55 £1,020.60 £1,105.65 £1,190.70 £1,275.75 £1,360.80 £1,445.85 £1,530.90 £1,615.95 £1,701.00 April 2025 £357.20 £446.50 £535.80 £625.10 £714.40 £803.70 £893.00 £982.30 £1,071.65 £1,160.95 £1,250.25 £1,339.55 £1,428.85 £1,518.15 £1,607.45 £1,696.75 £1,786.05 Page 34
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 Each metre thereafter £81 £85.05 £89.30 Page 35
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Hardstanding - Annual berthing charges (inc VAT) Over 3 - 4m Over 4 - 5m Over 5 – 6m Over 6 – 7m Over 7 – 8m Over 8 – 9m Over 9 – 10m Over 10 – 11m Over 11 – 12m Over 12 – 13m Over 13 – 14m Over 14 – 15m Over 15 – 16m Over 16 – 17m Over 17 – 18m Over 18 – 19m Over 19 – 20m £260 £325 £390 £455 £520 £585 £650 £715 £780 £845 £910 £975 £1,040 £1,105 £1,170 £1,235 £1,300 £273.00 £341.25 £409.50 £477.75 £546.00 £614.25 £682.50 £750.75 £819.00 £887.25 £955.50 £1,023.75 £1,092.00 £1,160.25 £1,228.50 £1,296.75 £1,365.00 April 2024 5% increase agreed with HACS £286.65 £358.30 £430.00 £501.65 £573.30 £645.00 £716.65 £788.30 £860.00 £931.60 £1,003.30 £1,074.95 £1,146.60 £1,218.25 £1,289.95 £1,361.60 £1,433.25 Page 36
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 Each metre thereafter £65 £68.25 £71.65 I3c Discounted rate for pensioners (boats less than 7m in length) (for current beneficiaries only, defined as; must be an over 65 berth holder in 2016 and held berth since 2016) 75% of current relevant charge 75% of current relevant charge April 2016 75% of current relevant charge I3d Trailers and vessel moving equipment – intended to be left on harbour property for storage (outwith period of launch/recovery of vessels) per annum £200.00 208.00 April 2025 218.40 I3e Rover Ticket - in line with Aberdeenshire Council £75 + VAT £ 90 + VAT April 2025 £ 90 + VAT Page 37
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I3f Visiting Vessel Day Ticket per day or part thereof £20.83 + VAT £21.67 + VAT April 2025 £22.75 + VAT I4 Harbour Dues I4e Use of port/harbour to demonstrate or test equipment/ vessel or any other similar event (commercial) - per day or part thereof £271.69 £281 April 2025 £295 I4f Use of port/harbour for community/ charity events £113.20 £117 April 2025 £122.85 I4g Use of harbour for paddle sports etc By individual agreement By individual agreement April 2019 POA I4h Hire of Single Gangway £40 £41 April 2024 £43 Page 38
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I4i Hire of Forklift and operator (on application -subject to availability) £70.00 ph Minimum 2 hours New Charge 2025 £73.50 I4j Attendance of harbour staff outside of normal working hours and/or public holidays Full cost recovery New Charge 2025 Full cost recovery I5 Wharfage I5a Minimum charge – all categories per tonne (change in pricing arrangement) £237.73 £246.29 April 2025 £258.60 I5b Basic materials, manufactured goods, fuels (other than petroleum spirit) per tonne £1.28 £1.33 April 2025 £1.40 Page 39
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I5c Wet fish, including fish consigned to or from any harbour not owned by Moray Council Wet fish “That part of landings of white fish and shellfish in excess of £7,500 in value” 2.5% Ad valorem 1.5% Ad valorem 2.5% Ad valorem 1.5% Ad valorem April 2008 April 2008 2.5% Ad valorem 1.5% Ad valorem I5d Wood, Lumber, Cork, Chipboard and Blockboard per cubic metre £1.11 £1.15 April 2025 £1.21 I5f Foods (other than wet fish) per tonne £1.28 £1.33 April 2025 £1.40 I5g Fabricated Goods per tonne £8.45 £8.75 April 2025 £9.20 I5h “Loyalty” Reduction in Charges Above 25,000 tonnes Scale rate less 5% Price on application April 2006 Price on application Page 40
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 l5j Dangerous Goods (any hazardous chemicals – explosives or inflammables) per tonne £90 £93 April 2025 £97.65 I5k Heavy lifting for extraordinary specialised activities, eg transformers, wind turbine parts 50-99 tonnes – per tonne 100-149 tonnes – per tonne 150-249 tonnes – per tonne Over 250 tonnes – per tonne £1.77 £2.21 £2.66 £3.10 £1.83 £2.29 £2.76 £3.21 April 2025 £1.92 £2.40 £2.90 £3.37 I6 Slipway and repair pads I6a Any recreational vessel using a slipway inclusive of one entry and one exit from the harbour per occasion £20.83 + VAT £21.58 + VAT April 2025 £22.66 + VAT Page 41
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 Any commercial vessel using a slipway inclusive of one entry and one exit from the harbour per occasion Season ticket for recreational unlimited use of any Council slipway, valid for 12 months, commencing 1 April per vessel Season ticket for commercial unlimited use of any Council slipway, valid for 12 months, commencing 1 April per vessel £26.67 + VAT £65 + VAT £499.17 + VAT £27.63 + VAT £67.34 + VAT £517.14 + VAT April 2024 April 2024 April 2024 £29.00 + VAT £70.71 + VAT £543.03 + VAT Page 42
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I7 Weighbridges Goods shipped or unshipped on which harbour dues are payable per tonne (to nearest tonne) Other goods per weighing £0.39 £13.33 + VAT £0.40 £13.81 + VAT April 2025 April 2025 £0.42 £14.50 + VAT I8 Pilotage I8a Per gross registered ton Minimum charge £0.45 £270 £0.47 £280 April 2025 April 2025 £0.49 £295 I8b Detention Charge for Late arrival of vessel - per hour or part thereof £270 £280 April 2025 £295 Page 43
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I8c Hire of Pilot-Boat and crew per hour or part thereof including towing support activity and similar Per passenger or crew member £270 £280 April 2025 £295 I8d Pilot Boat Maintenance Charge “per dead weight all told ton” (to be applied when pilotage not requested) (where GT exceeds DWAT, payment will be based on GT) £0.17 £0.18 April 2025 £0.19 I9 Supply of Water Page 44
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I9a Cargo vessels: Minimum Charge Charge per tonne or part thereof £11 £5.30 £11 £5.49 April 2021 April 2025 £12 £5.76 I9b Fishing Vessels regardless of whether a composition fee has been paid Up to 10m 10-20m Over 20m On each occasion £6 £12 £18 £6 £12 £19 April 2021 April 2021 April 2025 £6.30 £12.60 £20.00 I9c Recreation vessels on each occasion £6 £6 April 2021 £6.30 Page 45
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I10 Supply of electricity - cost per electrical unit Up to 3 hours Per Electrical unit £12 + VAT £0.35 + VAT £12.43 + VAT £0.36 + VAT April 2025 April 2025 £13.05 + VAT £0.38 + VAT I12 Fuel transfer - cost per tonne £3 £3 April 2021 £3.15 I13 Ground rent for container/fuel tank (per sq m per annum (pro rata)) £17 £18 April 2025 £18.90 Page 46
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REF SERVICE CHARGE 2024/25 CHARGE 2025/26 DATE OF LAST CHANGE CHARGE 2026/27 I14 Hire of Room at Harbour Office Standard per hour or part thereof Junior/over 60/charity per hour or part thereof Business Rate per hour or part thereof £27.50 £21 £38 £28 £22 £39 April 2025 £29.4 £23.10 £40.95 Page 47
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