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Following a decision by the States of Jersey to incorporate Jersey’s ports as a separate commercial entity – the Ports of Jersey Limited (PoJ) - the Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authorities (CICRA) is seeking the views of all interested parties to a consultation which sets out its plans for the licensing of air and sea port operations.
The consultation, launched this month, is based on the Air and Sea Ports (Incorporation) (Jersey) Law 201- approved on 2 June.
The incorporation of the ports is planned for 1 October following the ratification of further regulations by the States in September.
The law requires that anyone carrying out port operations must have a licence issued by the regulator. The final licence will form a key part of the oversight of the PoJ by regulator and sets out the obligations on PoJ including consumer protection.
The role of PoJ will be vital to the economic well-being of the island providing facilities for commercial air and sea port operators as well as leisure users and the general public.
CICRA chief executive, Michael Byrne, said: “Jersey’s ports will be operated by a single company and the States intends for safeguards to be in place to protect user interests. Under the law the JCRA has a duty to protect and further the interests of users which includes a duty to promote competition where appropriate.
“We will work with PoJ in a pragmatic manner that is fair for all users to ensure that services are provided efficiently and effectively and to encourage sustainable growth in the economy of Jersey.”
The consultation document sets out the proposed terms and conditions of the licence. Interested parties are invited to respond to the questions set out in the paper in relation to the rationale and wording of the conditions, their appropriateness and whether they achieve the stated objectives.
CICRA will also be contacting user groups directly in the coming months to ensure all views are heard.
The consultation document can be found at www.cicra.je. All comments should be submitted to CICRA before 5.00pm on Friday, 20 July 2015.
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