The proposals from Peel Ports Clydeport sparked a furious response from boat owners and politicians when they were revealed in October 2024.
But Clydeport has now decided not to proceed with the idea.
In a letter to opponents of the plan, Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan, who chairs a cross-party group on recreational boating and marine tourism at the Scottish Parliament and who launched a petition against the idea, said the decision followed dialogue between Clydeport and members of the cross-party group, which “has helped result in Clydeport confirming that they no longer plan to proceed with conservancy fees on the Clyde”.
Mr McMillan added: “They have caveated this by saying this is their present position, as if to imply they may revisit this position in the future.
“I do, however, hope that the reaction from the sector to how Clydeport approached this issue will mean that dialogue with the sector will be more forthcoming in the future – whether it relates to conservancy fees or any other plans which affect boaters.”
Stuart McMillan MSP welcomed the news. (Image: contributed)
Had the fee been implemented, it could have affected small boat owners across the Clyde, from Glasgow to Arran.
Alex McIntosh, head of marine at Clydeport, confirmed the fees plan was not going ahead at the present time in an update shared with river users.
He said: “Currently, Clydeport does not intend to progress consultation with the wider community regarding conservancy fees for individual vessel owners, as the introduction of such fees will not be taken forward at this time.
“A comprehensive review is still under way to assess how the waterways are being used and by whom, to ensure Clydeport can manage them effectively and efficiently for the benefit of all port users.”