Three sets of regulations increasing service fees in the Department of Marine and Ports Services by 5 per cent were passed in the Senate on Wednesday.

The Reverend Emily Gail Dill, the Junior Minister of National Security and Transport, provided an overview of all three — the Marine and Ports (Seaborne Services), Marine and Ports Authority (Port Dues) and Marine and Ports Authority (Pilotage Dues).

Dr Dill highlighted the different types of services affected, including work boats, ferries and pilot boats as well as berthing, tug, tender and port services.

She said: “The very services are vital to our maritime industry to ensure the safe transport of goods and people from other jurisdictions.

“The services are conducted in a regulated and safe environment which is within the mandated mission statement of the Department of Marine and Ports Services.”