The Port of Cromarty Firth has pledged to overhaul its pricing structure to bring it in line with more “modern” fee charges.
The trust which owns the port said it plans to replace its “out of date” and “complicated” charging regime with a single, flat charge.
The port body will launch a consultation on its plans to change its fees next month.
Currently vessels entering the Cromarty Firth pay a “complex levy”, the port said.
Bob Buskie,chief executive if the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “The old model of harbour, mooring, berthing and cargo dues was complicated and acted as a barrier to customers.
“We are replacing this with one single vessel due for entering, using or leaving the Port of Cromarty Firth. This is in response to client feedback.”
Mr Buskie added “Customers and stakeholders who use the port will have a chance to review and discuss the new pricing model, which will be available for consultation from mid October.”
The move comes as the port completes a £25million expansion, which includes the development of a new deepwater quay and reclamation of nine acres of land. The port has also recently submitted an application to Marine Scotland to invest further in an additional port expansion, details of which are due to go out to public consultation later this year.
Meanwhile, over 200 UK maritime industry leaders and decision-makers will attend the annual conference of the British Port Association in Stornoway next week.
A series of social events around the islands is being planned for delegates and partners to showcase local culture and heritage, together with the trade exhibitions and sponsors running alongside the conference.
Stornoway Port Authority and chief executive Alex MacLeod said they were looking forward to welcoming their peers from throughout the UK to the Isle of Lewis for the three day event.
He said: “This is an excellent opportunity for Stornoway Port Authority to showcase the port and the island in general.”