Marine Infrastructure Regulations

Overview

As background, in 2016, the Marine Infrastructure Management Act 2016 ('the Act' or 'MIMA') received Royal Assent. The Act is to make provision for a consenting process for certain activities in the Island marine environment and for connected purposes. In short, the Act applies to the controlled marine area, defined as the area between mean high water mark and the seaward boundary of the Isle of Man territorial sea (within the meaning of the Territorial Sea Act 1987 (an Act of Parliament)). It relates to a specific number of controlled marine areas identified in the Act as:

1. Offshore renewable energy generation
    
2. Aggregate extraction
    
3. Laying of submarine cables
    
4. Laying of submarine pipelines
    
5. Gas drilling
    
6. Carbon capture and storage and
    
7. Exploration for and exploitation of natural gas and petroleum (within the meaning given by section 9 of the Petroleum Act 1986 (interpretation))

 A limited number of provisions have been enacted, and the Department is now in the process of bringing the remaining part of the Act into operation. The Department is to consult on the broad principle that are to be included in the Marine Infrastructure Regulations.

The Department will determine the best way by which to introduce the Regulations, either split into component parts, or as one suite, and will be dependent on legal advice.

Why your views matter

During the passage of the Bill through the Branches, the Department gave a commitment the Department would consult on the secondary legislation resulting out of the Act. 

This consultation is a direct result of that commitment. The Department would value any comments in relation to this consultation, all of which will be taken into consideration alongside the advice the Department will receive from its external legal and industry advisors. The Department’s final position will be reflected in the finalised Regulations which the Department intends to be ready for the July sitting of Tynwald in 2024.

Responding to this consultation

You can respond to this consultation online by clicking on the 'Online Survey' link below. Alternatively you can download a paper version of this consultation in the 'Related' section below and email it to ian.brooks@gov.im or post it to:

Ian Brooks
Legislation and Policy Officer
Central Support and Change Division
Department of Infrastructure
Sea Terminal
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 2RF