CMAL’s new online payment system for Harbour Dues at its piers and harbours throughout the West Coast of Scotland has gone live.

This means berthing and composite charges can now be paid in advance with a variety of season tickets available. The online system at www.cmassets.co.uk is to help facilitate a new pricing structure for pier and berthing dues which will apply to all CMAL facilities from 1st April 2009.

The changes follow a comprehensive review into the current charging arrangements inherited by CMAL, to ensure fair and open access to its port and harbour facilities as well as consistency across the network.

Harbour dues are used to contribute towards improvements and maintenance of harbour facilities and infrastructure owned by CMAL in Scotland.

These revised charges and fees do not apply to any transportation/passengers booked on CalMac operated ferry services but only to third party users of CMAL facilities.

A range of season tickets are now available to purchase online for both fishing and pleasure crafts.

Passes offered include a berthing only annual pass or a range of composite season tickets, for both fishing and pleasure crafts, which include berthing, passenger/crew dues, fish landing dues and water dues.

Any annual tickets purchased since 1st January 2009 will remain valid until 31st March 2010 to allow for the introduction of the new system.

Charges on a call by call basis are still available to be paid locally at ports.

Following receipt of payment (on line or otherwise), a credit card sized ticket will be issued by post, with vessel name and details, and ticket type and validity periods. Visitors will be asked to display this on arrival at a CMAL facility; tickets are for named vessels, and are not interchangeable.

Notes to Editors

  • The report into a fairer system of Harbour dues is available to view on the CMAL website www.cmassets.co.uk along with the new Schedule of Charges, valid from 1st April 2009
  • CMAL owns property at piers and harbours at more than 21 locations throughout Scotland. CMAL are embarking on a programme of investment and improvements which will create better facilities and more opportunities for additional ferry services.
  • CMAL own or lease harbour facilities and infrastructure at Armadale, Brodick, Castlebay, Claonaig, Colintraivie, Coll, Colinsay, Cumbrae, Fishnish, Gourock, Kennacraig, Kilchoan, Largs, Lochaline, Lochboisdale, Lochranza, Oban, Port Ellen, Portavadie, Rhubodach, Tarbert (Harris), Tiree, Tobermory, Wemyss Bay
  • CMAL, a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder, has its headquarters in Port Glasgow.

For further information contact Andrew Flockhart, CMAL, on 01475-749920 or email andrew.flockhart@cmassets.co.uk