Background

Safe, efficient and cost-effective shipping movements at Tasmanian ports are fundamentally important to the economy of our island State.

As part of the Port Services Regulatory Review (Ports Review), the Department of State Growth is examining Tasmania’s governance settings for waterside port services to ensure they are contemporary, reliable and fit for purpose.

State Growth is developing two complementary sets of reforms to provide a clear, accountable framework that separates regulatory oversight from commercial operations, while ensuring resilience and efficiency in port services.

The reform areas are:

  1. structural reform – remove regulatory responsibilities from TasPorts by reallocating regulatory functions for Harbour Master and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), marine pollution and emergency response; and
  2. market reform - introducing a licensing framework for port operators, terminal operators and a single statewide pilotage provider, with pricing transparency and review mechanisms.

The direction for these reforms has been established.

State Growth is seeking your feedback on the proposed reforms presented in this survey to shape how they are implemented. This includes any legislative, policy, financial or other implications This will be used to inform advice to government on policy settings and implementation.

Governance framework (overview)

Preferred governance model: a licensed port operator framework.

  • Reallocation of regulatory functions: MAST would be responsible for Harbour Master and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) functions and for setting and enforcing technical standards.
  • Licencing Framework: Licensed Port Operators are responsible for specified port services within their port pilotage areas, including arrangements for commercial and emergency towage and supporting emergency preparedness. A Terminal Operator Licence may be used in multi‑user ports to allocate certain waterside functions to terminal owners.
  • Pilotage: Pilotage is provided by a single, statewide licensed provider, with obligations for safety, training, minimum service levels and emergency support.

Pricing and transparency: the proposed approach would include consultation on pricing options, competitive tension where feasible, efficient and transparent pricing practices, including in the pricing of regulatory functions.

Implementation and transition: Staged implementation with key steps including:

  • Capacity uplift as required for MAST/EPA
    • transferring Harbour Master and VTS authority to MAST
    • issuing Port Operator and Pilotage Provider Licences
    • clarifying EPA/MAST roles under TasPlan
    • and uplifting capability in MAST (and EPA if required)
    • a new model for cost recovery of regulatory functions which will require changes to the Vessel Tonnage Charge (VTC) currently charged by TasPorts

Have your say

To provide your feedback, please

1. Complete the online survey below

OR

2. Provide a written response to tsp@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

Targeted questions are included in the Survey to help you provide feedback. You may wish to comment on some matters of interest or respond to all questions. Feedback closes midnight, 22 February 2026.

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