ILDF calls for 2014 light dues reduction
Following the UK government’s confirmation of the freeze in light dues for 2013 to 2014, the Independent Light Dues Forum (ILDF) is calling for further reductions next year.
The government has delivered a 12% reduction in real term light dues levels since 2010 as part of a three year freeze on navaids, such as lighthouses, buoys and beacons, around the British Isles and Ireland.
ILDF chairman Captain Mark Bookham said: “While the freeze in light dues is welcome for 2013-14, the members of the ILDF believe there is scope for improvement in the general lighthouse authorities’ (GLA) operations.”
Dues are paid into a central General Lighthouse Fund (GLF) from which they are disbursed by the Department for Transport to the three general lighthouse authorities in England, Scotland and Ireland. As of March 2013, the GLF stands at £156m.
Mr Bookham added: “We call on the Government to address the all time high level of the General Lighthouse Fund and forecast surpluses, and give due ministerial consideration to a sensible reduction next year – in the region of 1p to 2p – whether year-on-year or for a fixed period.”
The IDLF members contribute around 60% of the annual light dues revenue that supports the three general lighthouse authorities, the Corporation of Trinity House, Northern Lighthouse Board and Commissioners of Irish Lights.
Members of the forum include Hyundai Merchant Marine, Maersk Line, Mitsui OSK, NYK Line and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, among others.
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