Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/278) (the “2025 Regulations”).

Regulation 2(2) inserts a new definition of “registered length” into the 2025 Regulations.

Regulation 2(3)(a) amends regulation 4 of the 2025 Regulations which provides for the calculation of periodical payments by vessels by reference to their length. Regulation 2(3) replaces references to “load line length” with references to “registered length”.

Regulation 2(3)(b) amends regulation 4 of the 2025 Regulations to clarify when a specified measurement should be rounded down, or up, to the nearest metre.

Regulation 2(4) increases the charges for vessels that pay light dues on a per voyage basis under the 2025 Regulations. From 1st April 2026, the rate and maximum charge are increased to 46 pence per ton and £23,000 respectively. From 1st April 2027, the rate and the maximum charge are further increased to 47 pence per ton and £23,500 respectively.

Regulation 2(5) amends Schedule 1 to the 2025 Regulations, which exempts certain vessels from the obligation to pay light dues. The exemption in paragraph 5 of Schedule 1 is expressed by reference to the length of the vessel. Regulation 2(5)(a) replaces the reference to “load line length” in paragraph 5 of Schedule 1 with a reference to “registered length”. Regulation 2(5)(b) simplifies one of the other exemptions in Schedule 1.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen. An Explanatory Memorandum has been published alongside this instrument at www.legislation.gov.uk.