Chichester Harbour to Get a Modern Makeover: What You Need to Know

The UK government is set to update the management of Chichester Harbour with a new legislative instrument, the Chichester Harbour Revision Order 2025. Here's a quick breakdown of what this means for the harbour and its stakeholders:

Why the Change?

The Chichester Harbour Conservancy, the body responsible for managing the harbour, identified a need to modernise its powers and clarify the boundaries of the harbour. This move aligns with national safety standards set by the Port Marine Safety Code, which was updated by the Department for Transport in April 2025.

Key Changes:

1. Modernised Powers: The Conservancy will receive enhanced powers to manage the harbour efficiently. These include the ability to issue special directions to vessels to ensure safe navigation.

2. Boundary Clarification: The harbour limits will be updated to include all relevant premises, allowing for better management and oversight.

3. Alignment with National Standards: The changes ensure the harbour's operations align with the latest safety and operational guidelines provided by the updated Ports & Marine Facilities Safety Code.

Consultation and Approval:

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) conducted a consultation process in 2021, involving stakeholders and the public, with no objections received. This process ensured transparency and compliance with statutory requirements.

Impact on Stakeholders:

The changes are not expected to significantly impact businesses, charities, or voluntary bodies, as they primarily focus on internal management improvements of the harbour. The public sector will also see minimal impact.

Looking Ahead:

The MMO will oversee the implementation of these changes but will not actively monitor them unless new representations arise. The Conservancy will continue to review its powers to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.

This legislative update is a step towards a more efficiently managed and safer Chichester Harbour, ensuring it remains a vital asset for the region.