Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Passenger Boats and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

17 March 2021 · 3 other contributors · 10,843 words

Opened by Andrew Rosindell Reform Romford

Responding minister: Robert Courts

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrew Rosindell raised concerns about passenger boats and the maritime and coastguard agency in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP expressed concerns over MCA proposals affecting up to 25 older passenger boats on the tidal Thames.
  • MP highlighted economic impact on long-standing family businesses and unfair competition from Uber Thames Clippers.
  • MP requested government review and compromise solution allowing older boats to operate west of Westminster pier without subdivision.

Key requests to Government

The MP asked the Government to urgently review its position and consider a compromise solution where older boats would be restricted to operating west of Westminster pier without subdivision. He also requested that the Minister provide details on incidents justifying the plans and discuss compensation for affected businesses if the proposals proceed.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andrew Rosindell Reform Romford

The MP expressed concerns about the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's proposals to modify older passenger boats operating on the tidal Thames, which could lead to up to 25 boats being forced off the river. The plans include subdividing hulls and installing bulkheads, which would render many vessels unfit for purpose and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds per boat. This would be economically devastating for family businesses that have operated on the river for centuries. Additionally, he highlighted unfair competition from Uber Thames Clippers, which enjoys commercial advantages such as exemption from landing fees at busy central piers.

Other contributors (3)
  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    He highlighted the critical role of passenger ferries in connecting remote island communities to the mainland, noting that CalMac operates 18 routes in his constituency. He praised the ferry operators for their year-round service and community engagement, mentioning a fundraising initiative by CalMac employees raising over £8,000. O'Hara also discussed the road equivalent tariff scheme introduced by the Scottish Government in 2008 to make ferry travel more affordable, noting that demand has increased and average fares dropped by between 34% and 40%. He noted challenges such as pressure on island infrastructure but overall viewed RET positively.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon highlighted the importance of water transport for Northern Ireland, noting its impact on trade and connectivity. He stressed that while safety is crucial, older boats can still be seaworthy and should not necessarily be discarded without due consideration. Shannon also raised concerns about potential closures affecting SMEs and tourism.

  • Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East

    Mr Mike Kane paid tribute to the work of the hon. Member for Romford and highlighted his Irish heritage on St Patrick's Day. He supported the review of Lord West's recommendations for the River Thames west of Westminster and acknowledged the potential risks but noted that the Port of London Authority supports this plan as within an acceptable level of risk. He called for urgency in concluding deliberations to allow historic boats and businesses to continue operating safely.

Government Response

Robert Courts

The Minister congratulated the hon. Member for Romford on securing the debate, acknowledging the importance of safety measures for passenger ships on the tidal River Thames while balancing business viability and heritage considerations. He emphasised that safety must be prioritised after the tragic Marchioness incident in 1989, leading to numerous improvements such as better tracking systems, crew training, and emergency response equipment along the riverbanks. However, older ships with 'grandfather rights' may not meet modern safety standards, posing risks during accidents or incidents due to their potential for rapid sinking. The Port of London Authority reported 1,192 accidents between 2010 and 2018, highlighting the risk posed by heavy commercial traffic on the Thames. The Minister explained that modern ships must meet damage stability requirements to ensure survivability in case of an accident. Exemptions are possible through a risk assessment process, but not for blanket exemptions due to safety concerns. The legislation aims to update standards for life-saving equipment and fire prevention measures. Owners can apply for exemptions if their ship operates in lower-risk areas (category C waters) based on agreed-upon assessments with the MCA and harbour authorities. The Minister stated that while he sympathised with many points raised, safety could not be compromised, and the Government would continue with the legislation due to the unacceptably high risk without it.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy