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
Antwerp-Bruges stands firm as geopolitical forces reshape trade flows
(Posted on 16/07/26)In the first half of 2026, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 133.9 million tonnes of maritime cargo, a... Read more
PD Ports announce Paul Foreman as new CEO
(Posted on 16/07/26)PD Ports, one of the UK’s major port and logistics businesses, announced today that Paul Foreman... Read more
New San Diego bulk sugar import facility to use only electric trucks
(Posted on 03/07/26)The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved an Option to Lease Agreement and authorised... Read more
Expanded partnership through bulk infrastructure development at Khalifa Port
(Posted on 30/06/26)AD Ports Group, an Abu Dhabi based, leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more
Port of Hamburg strengthens partnership with China
(Posted on 29/06/26)The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and SPG Qingdao Port Group have signed a Port Partnership Agreement... Read more
Contract awarded for Pilbara Ports Zone 5 Bypass Channel
(Posted on 29/06/26)The Cook Labor Government in Australia has welcomed the award of a dredging contract to Jan De Nul ... Read more
Netherlands Parliamentary rules out Maasvlakte II as location for new nuclear power plants
(Posted on 29/06/26)A parliamentary letter in the Netherlands on the selection of a site for the construction of two new... Read more
SSAB’s port operations in Raahe develop safety together with ESL Shipping
(Posted on 25/06/26)The long-term safety cooperation between ESL Shipping and the port of SSAB’s Raahe site is visible... Read more
Liverpool sees 200% rise in fertiliser imports interest amid ongoing uncertainty
(Posted on 22/06/26)The Port of Liverpool is experiencing a surge in demand from fertiliser importers as continued uncertainty... Read more
PD Ports strengthens Teesport bulk handling with £5.4m crane investment
(Posted on 18/06/26)PD Ports has further strengthened its bulk handling capability at Teesport with the arrival of... Read more
