The Contentious-Administrative Chamber of the high court will review the regulations approved by the Port Authority in December 2022. The court order, dated July 20, indicates that the issues raised transcend the specific case and are relevant to the interpretation of the Ports Law and European regulations.
The legal dispute focuses on four key points of the Particular Prescriptions Document. These include the distinction between professional qualification and the appointment to operate in a specific port, as well as the definition of when the pilotage service formally begins.
Additionally, the appeal addresses the Port Authority's authority to set maximum tariffs for voluntary services and the discount regime applied to regular passenger and vehicle ferry lines between the islands. The High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands had previously dismissed the lawsuit in October 2025, upholding the current regulations.
While the Supreme Court processes the appeal, the current regulations remain in effect. The final ruling may either uphold the previous judgment or amend specific aspects regarding port maneuver management and costs.
