The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority has announced a regulatory review of port operations.
The Authority last conducted a review of Ports in 2018/19 and is required to undertake a new analysis to ensure appropriate regulation is in place for 2025.
Almost everyone in Jersey is reliant on air and sea port operations and services in some way. Since the incorporation of Ports of Jersey Limited in 2015, the Authority licences port operations with a duty to best protect and further the interests of port users, and to promote competition where appropriate. The Authority is also required to ensure provision is made to satisfy all reasonable demands for port operations and services, and that they are provided efficiently and effectively.
Ports of Jersey Limited (PoJL) is the company established by the 2015 Law that owns and operates the airport, harbours and marinas in Jersey. It is 100% owned by the States of Jersey and currently the only licensed port operator in Jersey. The primary object of PoJL is defined in the 2015 Law as to provide, or ensure the provision of, safe, secure and efficient port operations for Jersey. PoJL is also responsible for the discharge of certain Public Service Obligations (PSO) under the 2015 Law.
As it is the fourth year of operation of the current regulatory regime governing air and sea ports, and the Authority is now undertaking a review to give effect to a revised regulatory framework. Prospective infrastructure and commercial developments in the Ports sector will be included in consideration of the revised regulatory framework. In this period of potential significant change in these markets, the Authority’s aim is to ensure the regulatory framework remains fit for purpose and is operating effectively (in the interests of all users). The Call for Information issued today is the first stage in that review.
The Authority is not making any policy proposals at this stage, and is inviting views on the main themes to be considered as part of the regulatory review:
- The interests of users
- The price control and quality of service
- The future regulation of port services
The Authority is seeking responses to the questions set out in the consultation by 28 April 2023, and intends to publish a full consultation on future regulation in the summer. The full review will be complete in early 2024.
Tim Ringsdore, CEO of the Authority commented, “Our primary duty under the relevant law is to best protect and further the interests of users of port operations and, by extension, benefit consumers. There have been significant changes since our last review of Ports in 2018/19, and we are keen to ensure the regulatory framework remains fit for purpose and is operating effectively in preparation for updated regulations to be in place by 2025.
The Review will consider prices charged for, and quality of, core services and reporting standards under the current licensing regime, recommending revisions where appropriate.
In 2022 the Authority conducted an in-depth Market Study of freight services in Jersey and has launched a new study into the Groceries market in the Island. These major projects are designed to analyse how markets are performing and, where necessary, recommend improvements or changes to policy that will ultimately bring positive change for all Islanders.
