What's happening
This bill increases the fees that ships must pay for pilot services in certain New York waters.
Why it matters
Directly impacts shipping traffic through Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound east of Execution Rocks or Sand Point. , a key maritime route for commercial vessels entering or leaving New York ports, meaning costs for shipping companies using these waters will rise over the next several years.
Significantly changes the fee structure for pilotage services. by setting forth a detailed, multi-year schedule of annual increases through 2032, culminating in a final fee nearly 30% higher than the current rate—this could affect shipping company operating costs, potentially influencing freight rates or port competitiveness.
Impacts a range of stakeholders including international and domestic shipping companies, New York port operators, and local maritime pilots. , as higher fees may support pilot recruitment, retention, and safety standards, but could also be a concern for businesses reliant on maritime shipping in this region.
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Who cares
Commercial Shipping Companies
These companies will directly be affected by the increased pilotage fees for vessels transiting the specified New York state waters, impacting their operational costs.
Maritime Pilots and Pilot Associations
As the recipients of pilotage fees, these stakeholders stand to benefit from the scheduled fee increases, which can support recruitment, training, and retention.
Port Authorities and Maritime Trade Groups
Changes in fees may influence vessel traffic patterns, competitiveness of local ports, and overall economic activity related to shipping in Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound.
Importers, Exporters, and Supply Chain Stakeholders
Higher shipping costs due to increased pilotage fees could be passed down the supply chain, potentially affecting the cost and efficiency of goods movement in and out of the region.
Headline styles
Raise Pilotage Fees
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A11188
- Ordered to third reading cal.1678
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Referred to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Raise Pilotage Fees Gradually
Passed Senate · Sponsor Charles Lavine
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
10275
IN SENATE
May 11, 2026
Introduced by Sen. MARTINEZ -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation
AN ACT An act to amend the navigation law, in relation to pilotage fees on vessels transiting the New York state waters of Long Island Sound or Block Island Sound east of Execution Rocks of Sand Point
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subparagraph 1 of paragraph (b) of subdivision 4 of section 89-b of the navigation law, as amended by chapter 427 of the laws of 2022, is amended to read as follows:
(1) Upon the effective date of this paragraph and thereafter:
All vessels shall pay [eight dollars and eighty-six cents per pilotage unit; from January first, two thousand twenty-three until January first, two thousand twenty-four all vessels shall pay nine dollars and ninetyseven cents per pilotage unit; from January first, two thousand twentyfour until January first, two thousand twenty-five, all vessels shall pay ten dollars and twenty-seven cents per pilotage unit; from January first, two thousand twenty-five until January first, two thousand twenty-six all vessels shall pay ten dollars and fifty-eight cents per pilotage unit; from January first, two thousand twenty-six until January first, two thousand twenty-seven all vessels shall pay] ten dollars and eighty-nine cents per pilotage unit; [on and after] from January first, two thousand twenty-seven until January first, two thousand twenty-eight all vessels shall pay eleven dollars and twenty-two cents per pilotage unit; from January first, two thousand twenty-eight until January first, two thousand twenty-nine, all vessels shall pay eleven dollars and eighty-nine cents per pilotage unit; from January first, two thousand twenty-nine until January first, two thousand thirty all vessels shall pay twelve dollars and thirty-seven cents per pilotage unit; from January first, two thousand thirty until January first, two thousand thirty-one all vessels shall pay twelve dollars and eighty-six cents per pilotage unit; from January first, two thousand thirty-one until January first, two thousand thirty-two all vessels shall pay thirteen dollars
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD15733-01-6
and thirty-eight cents per pilotage unit; on and after January first, two thousand thirty-two all vessels shall pay [eleven dollars and twenty-two cents] thirteen dollars and ninety-one cents per pilotage unit.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act An act to amend the navigation law, in relation to pilotage fees on vessels transiting the New York state waters of Long Island Sound or Block Island Sound east of Execution Rocks of Sand Point
Purpose
This legislation establishes a new system of pilotage fees for the Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 of the bill amends section 89-b of the navigation law to establish a new system of pilotage fees for Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound. The new system establishes a schedule for the next five years of pilotage rates as follows: effective January 1, 2027 - increase from 2026 rates of $10.89 per pilotage unit to $11.22; on January 1, 2028 - $11.89 per pilotage unit; on January 1, 2029 - $12.37; on January 1, 2030 - $12.86; on January 1, 2031 - $13.38; on January 1, 2032 $13.91,
Section 2 This act shall take effect immediately.
Justification
This legislation would adjust the pilotage rates for foreign trade vessels entering and leaving the Long Island-Block Island Sound. In order to fairly compensate pilots at Long Island and Block Island Sound ports, this bill would establish a five-year schedule for an increase in pilotage fees.
Merchant ships entering the Long Island and Block Island Sounds are required by law to take aboard a local pilot. These pilots are signif- icantly trained and qualified to take over large vessels and direct the vessel's navigation and docking while in State waters. Connecticut and New York share authority to regulate pilotage and a 1999 memorandum of agreement was established for licensed pilots to participate in a joint rotation of the pilots.
This legislation establishes a rate structure that would contribute to fairly compensating pilots, effectively training pilots and properly maintaining pilots' boats.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.