BPA backs Northern ‘Free Ports’ strategy
(Posted on 21/06/18)
The British Ports Association has welcomed the renewed focus on role that ports play in regional and national UK economies in a new report on 'Supercharged Free Ports'.
The report highlights the opportunities of 'super charging' free ports to include enterprise stimulus. This is similar to the Association's 'port zoning' proposals, which could include enterprise, planning and consenting advantages for UK ports of all type and location.
The British Ports Association’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne said: “We welcome the discussion about ports which shows how central they are to regional and national economies. Establishing a Free Port alone could be quite a challenging exercise but combining other stimulus in areas such as enterprise and planning would enable ports to grow and develop. Should these zones be taken forward, we would expect them to be voluntary and implemented in a similar way across the country in a way that does not distort competition. Ports are economic areas that have been built up over many years, supporting jobs and businesses. They are often at the heart of their communities supporting trade, offshore industries, fishing, leisure and tourism as well as providing vital transport links."
A ‘Free Port’ allows certain exemptions from customs duties and tariffs which enables added value processes to take place. They can be created under current UK law but depending on the type of Brexit deal the UK Government negotiates they could be more relevant to the UK.
Free ports do not offer a solution to potential customs and border requirements challenges presented by Brexit for gateway ports, where freight simply moves through a port. They could however provide benefits to ports where added value and industrial processes are undertaken. Dependent on the final Brexit agreement there could be competition issues to consider on customs and excise procedures, therefore free ports continues to attract much debate.
Latest News
Rail freight is key competitive advantage for German seaports
(Posted on 23/12/25)With this year’s Rail Conference “Rail Freight Transport and Seaports”, a joint initiative... Read more
ABL Group and ICG announce the successful acquisition of SCF Containers
(Posted on 18/12/25)Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL Group) and ICG have jointly announced the successful completion of ABL&rsquo... Read more
AD Ports and AVESTO establish New Logistics JV in Tajikistan
(Posted on 18/12/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more
Patrick Krawutschke appointed new Managing Director at HPC
(Posted on 18/12/25)The Executive Board of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has appointed Patrick Krawutschke as Managing... Read more
Karachi Gateway agreement to develop clean bulk handling and storage facility
(Posted on 09/12/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more
30 Years of DUKC at Port Hedland
(Posted on 04/12/25)This year marks a significant milestone in maritime innovation as Port Hedland, Australia, celebrates... Read more
Major capital investment programme for ABP’s South Wales ports
(Posted on 02/12/25)Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, has announced the latest tranche... Read more
Strategic partnership for Vietnam-Japan green supply chain
(Posted on 24/11/25)During the Investment, Labour, and Trade Promotion Programme in Japan (November 16–22, 2025),... Read more
AD Ports signs two KEZAD land Leases of over 500,000sqm with Indian firms
(Posted on 24/11/25)AD Ports Group subsidiary Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group, the largest operator of integrated... Read more
AD Ports reports record Q3 net profit of AED596M
(Posted on 15/11/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more
