Communities invited to share views on upcoming Harbour Revision (Consolidation) Order

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) is inviting communities to share their views on a project to consolidate harbour legislation across its network of ports and harbours.

CMAL is the Statutory Harbour Authority at 16 locations, and Harbour Authority, as deemed by the Port Marine Safety Code, at 11 other locations across the west coast of Scotland. Following a review of documentation, CMAL has identified over 60 varieties of legal papers relating to the operations at these locations.

The proposed Harbour Revision (Consolidation) Order will improve safety, and provide a consistent legal framework to operate, improve and maintain the CMAL harbours and marine infrastructure.

There will be 22 engagement events held across the network throughout the spring of 2024, with the first event having already been held in Port Ellen. This will allow communities to ask questions and provide feedback regarding the proposed consolidation order.

Ramsay Muirhead, Director of Port Infrastructure and Planning at CMAL said:

“With over 60 legal documents relating to the operation of harbours, one of which dates as far back as 1832, it has proven difficult to promote a consistent legislative platform across our locations.

“The consolidation order will provide the appropriate legal framework for us to introduce and promote network-wide standard General Directions to assist in meeting our statutory obligations.

“We encourage people to attend one of the meetings if they can. This type of diverse community input is highly valuable and will help inform the next steps in the process.”

Spencer Marine Consulting Ltd and Ashfords LLP are actively supporting this project, contributing extensive experience and expertise in harbour legislation to ensure its success. Provisional planned event details are listed below:

For more information, as well as the relevant documents and forum to ask questions, visit cmassets.co.uk/hrco

Last updated 4/4/24