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Infrastructure Tasmania

Port Services Regulatory Review

Overview

Safe, efficient and cost-effective shipping movements at Tasmanian ports are fundamentally important to the economy of our island State.

To ensure that the regulatory framework for maritime safety supports marine service providers to meet contemporary standards, a regulatory review is being undertaken of the maritime safety and port services framework.

The arrangements supporting maritime safety and delivery of marine services in Tasmania are complex and reflect aspects of the historic governance structure for Tasmanian ports.

The review is particularly examining the framework for maritime safety functions which is currently shared by Marine and Safety Tasmania, TasPorts and the Environmental Protection Authority.

The review is considering how the regulatory model may be improved to support the delivery of port services including marine pilotage and towage, marine safety functions and the delivery of oil and chemical spill pollution management and response capability.

Initial consultation with interested groups is underway.

An extensive program of industry and community consultation with affected parties is expected to begin in late 2022 or early 2023.

Terms of reference

View the Terms of reference

Consultation

The Department will be consulting with industry and stakeholders during the review. Register your interest here.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why is this review being held?

While the current regulatory arrangements for port services have served Tasmania well, this framework does not provide adequate scope to allow the regulator and service providers to respond to changing market conditions and needs.

It is therefore appropriate to consider how the regulatory model may be improved to support future delivery of port services, including marine pilotage and towage, marine safety functions and the delivery of oil and chemical spill pollution management and response capability.

What services is the review looking at?

The review will examine the regulatory framework for delivery of port services, including marine pilotage and towage, marine safety functions and the delivery of oil and chemical spill pollution management and response capability.

Who currently delivers port services?

Port services are currently delivered primarily by TasPorts, under authorisation from MAST and the EPA.

What will happen to services while the review is happening?

Services will continue to be provided consistent with existing regulatory requirements.

Will the review be looking at TasPorts business model?

The review is concerned with the regulatory framework for delivery of maritime port services and will not be focussed on TasPorts’ business model, other than is relevant to the review terms of reference.

Who will be consulted? Can I be involved?

In undertaking the review, recommendations are expected to be informed by consultation with key port stakeholders, and other interested parties. You can register your interest here.