Tariff Study, Harwich Haven Authority, UK
Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) provides conservancy and pilotage services for one of the UK’s key strategic harbours covering 150 square miles. HHA provides services for shipping using the commercial ports of Felixstowe, Ipswich, Harwich International, Harwich Navyard and Mistley and also boarding and landing services for the rivers Thames, Medway, Blackwater, Colne and Crouch.
HHA levies Harbour Dues under the Harbours Act 1964, and it commissioned Fisher Associates to undertake an assessment of the tariff to ensure that it was fit for purpose for the future.
The objective of the assessment was to review the level and structure of tariffs for dues from commercial, regulatory and other perspectives as appropriate, and make recommendations for HHA’s consideration. The key tasks to be undertaken were: (2009)
- Collect relevant information and data, and engage representative stakeholders in consultation on the review based on an agreed structure and objectives for the consultation.
- Make a review of conservancy tariffs for other ports, and compare and contrast approaches to conservancy and identify best practice.
- Assess the services provided by HHA in terms of their scope and depth, and the approach to their delivery.
- Prepare a financial analysis of conservancy services.
- Investigate the level and structure of tariffs.
- Elucidate key findings and draw conclusions as appropriate.