Fear Clyde boat charges could be introduced a year early

Last month Peel Ports Clydeport, the port authority on the Clyde, confirmed plans for an annual 'leisure vessel conservancy fee'.

Marina bosses claim they were told in a summit with the company that the roll out would be in April 2026 following a period of consultation.

Gavin McDonagh from Holt Leisure says he's worried Peel Ports could introduce its 'leisure vessel conservancy fee' in the spring of next year - 12 months earlier than planned. (Image: George Munro)

They fear, however, that it could be introduced as early as April next year, without the promised discussions and negotiations.

Gavin McDonagh of Holt Leisure, operators of Kip Marina and Fairlie Quay in Largs, says the marina owners, while not in favour of the charge, told Peel Ports they were willing to consult over its introduction in 18 months' time.

Ardrossan Marina, James Watt Dock, Largs Yacht Haven, Port Bannatyne, Rhu, Tarbert Harbour, Portavadie, Holy Loch, and the Yacht Harbour Association were also represented at the August meeting in Greenock with Peel Ports Clydeport.

READ MORE: Plan to charge Inverclyde leisure boat owners 'could sink sailing clubs'

Mr McDonagh said: "They had agreed with us that they would go into a period of consultation with the marina industry so that we could get it right.

"I hear they may not be doing that any more and they are maybe pushing ahead for an April 2025 launch - even though they had agreed with is that the conveyancing charge wasn't going to be launched until April 2026.

"If they could just sit down and do the promised consultancy with us we could have it properly organised for April 2026."

Boat owners will pay a £100 yearly charge, or £75 just for the summer, to take their vessels on to the water under Peel Ports' proposals.

The fee applies to all boats from six to 24 metres which are moored or berthed within the Peel Ports Clydeport area, including Greenock and Port Glasgow.  

Concerns have also been expressed about how Peel Ports Clydeport will enforce the charge, with suggestions that spot checks could be carried out, and that boat owners who have not paid could have their craft impounded or seized and could be arrested.

Kip Marina is one of several facilities for yachts on the Clyde that could be affected by the proposals. (Image: George Munro) Mr McDonagh said: "How a private company could have control of Scottish waters is certainly questionable.

"The problem is that they are both the operator and the regulator. It is not an ideal circumstance.

"They need to enter into the consultancy that they promised and have a proper roll out in April 2026, rather than the current mish-mash they are doing at the moment."

Former shipyard worker Robert Buirds, the driving force behind the Campaign To Save Inchgreen Dry Dock in Port Glasgow, launched a petition earlier this year to have Clydeport taken back into public ownership and to have the matter debated by parliament.

READ MORE: Inchgreen campaigner says 'reputations are on the line' over £11m development

The port authority was controversially sold in 1992 by the UK Government in a local management buy out and later floated on the stock exchange.

However the petition was blocked by the Scottish Government, despite getting almost 1,700 signatures.

Robert added: "There is no benefit to the community from private ownership.

"They are going for the pleasure cruisers and the poorest part of the yachting fraternity.

"You have two small boat clubs in Port Glasgow with almost 50 vessels between them. It is scandalous to charge them any money.

Robert Buirds says there is no benefit to the community from the Clyde port authority being in private ownership. "I think it should be stopped and blocked."

Opposition to the conservancy fee has also come from the prestigious Royal Yachting Association Scotland.

They said: "We have written to Peel Ports noting our concerns at the proposal.

"We have had a number of enquiries from individuals, clubs and associations around what they can practically do on this issue. 

"Our recommendation is to write to your local MSP, particularly if their constituency borders the Clydeport area."

Last month Colin MacDonald, captain of the Gourock-based Clyde Etchells Fleet, warned that any fee could lead to a decline of sailing on the Clyde.

And Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan, who chairs a cross-party group on recreational boating and marine tourism at Holyrood, has backed calls for it to be ditched.

Boat owners throughout the area of Clydeport's jurisdiction, including those whose craft are berthed at the James Watt Dock Marina, would be affected by the proposals. (Image: George Munro) Peel Ports Clydeport say any charge to boat owners would go towards navigational  services, environmental protection and recovering boats that have sunk or gone adrift.

Their spokesperson added: “We are at the early stages of exploring options around the introduction of a conservancy fee for leisure vessels on the Clyde, aligned to the practice of many other Statutory Harbour Authorities who already apply these fees to their services. 

 “No decision has been taken with regard to these initial discussions. However, if we were to pursue the introduction of a fee, in line with our statutory obligations we would hold a consultation during which all marine users would be given the opportunity to share their views.

 “Conservancy fees for leisure vessels are standard practice among UK Harbour Authorities, enabling the essential maintenance and operation of our waterways. 

"Regardless of the outcome of these discussions, as the statutory harbour authority for the Clyde, we will continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both professional and leisure users of the Firth of Clyde and river.”