BPA sets out spending priorities

(Posted on 27/09/20)

Decarbonisation, Innovation, Infrastructure, Freeports and properly functioning and resourced regulators are key asks for future Government spending, set out in a letter to the UK Chancellor from the ports industry today.

With EU Exit imminent, the British ports association (BPA) has also called for funding to future-proof the sector. As a member of umbrella group Maritime UK, the BPA's submission complements MUK's submission, which calls for a £1bn maritime decarbonisation programme.

Whilst the 'comprehensive spending review' may be on ice for another year, according to reports, the BPA delivered its submission to the Treasury today noting that reforms putting ports at the heart of regional economies should not be delayed.

                Industry requests from Government:

• Transport: Government to deliver on the recommendations of the Department for Transport’s Port Connectivity Study. Funding for local authorities to better manage and maintain critical last mile connections to ports. Replacement of the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
• Infrastructure: A multi-year green maritime fund to support the specific and significant challenges to meet the sector's decarbonisation and environmental commitments as part of a wider £1bn maritime decarbonisation programme. A UK Infrastructure Bank to provide consistent credit and anchor investments.
• Planning: Review of port planning and consenting regimes. Grant access for all ports to a new planning regime, regardless of Freeport status. Extension of Capital Allowances for port infrastructure.
• Innovation: Continued support from Government to achieve ‘Maritime 2050’ targets.
• A supportive and enabling regulatory system: licensing authorities and regulators must have the resources they need to function effectively. This is key to enabling sustainable development.

Industry will provide in return:

• Hubs of economic activity, jobs and investment in port regions around our coastline
• An efficient, market-led ports sector responsive to users and contributing to the economy
• A responsible industry which strives to minimise environmental impacts
• Information to regional and national planners about how to stimulate maritime activity
• Modern infrastructure and facilities for the UK’s international trade, offshore fuel and energy generation, maritime and shipping services, marine tourism and recreation, as well as hubs for the fishing industry
• A network of responsible UK anchored companies committed to their businesses
• High standards of marine and landside safety
• Skilled jobs and a well-qualified and trained workforce
• The BPA to provide governance and safety briefings to ports and duty holders and to support the work of Port Skills and Safety in driving up standards across the sector

Commenting, Mark Simmonds, Head of Policy and External Affairs at the British Ports Association and Chair of Maritime UK's Policy Working Group said, “Whilst the Chancellor may understandably delay this process due to continuing uncertainty from covid-19, we hope the Government does not take its eye off decarbonisation and climate change, which is an urgent challenge.

The asks we have submitted to Government in these five key areas cannot afford to wait another year. Regardless of what process the Government chooses to examine its spending this year, it must recognise the importance of the maritime sector and the role it plays in supporting jobs and prosperity in coastal communities and also the tight timelines for meeting expectations around net zero.”

Latest News

Haivanship expands operations into northern Vietnam

Leading Vietnamese maritime-logistics operator Haivanship (HVS) is growing its Konecranes fleet with... Read more

Ghent boosts bulk handling with a Gen 6 Konecranes Gottwald MHC

Euroports Group is set to strengthen its bulk handling capacity at North Sea Port (Ghent) with the addition... Read more

Europe’s first fully electric tug delivered to Antwerp-Bruges

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered six RSD Tugs 2513 to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium. The... Read more

Hamburg bulks show mixed trends

Throughput of bulk cargo at the Port of Hamburg has experienced a slight recovery over the course of... Read more

LAR in Angola reinforces transport capacity with new wagons

The Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) has taken an important step this week towards strengthening its transport... Read more

ABP’s Port of Hull welcomes two new build Eco Traders

The Port of Hull recently welcomed two new eco-friendly vessels built for charterer Ahlmark Lines AB... Read more

Port of Detroit awarded $24m by EPA for climate-friendly upgrades

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in a historic move toward green infrastructure, has... Read more

Viterra signs deal with ABP in the Humber

Associated British Ports (ABP) and Viterra, one of the world leading grain marketers, have announce... Read more

New Managing Director at TBA Doncaster

From 1st November, TBA’s Doncaster division has a change of leadership.Responsible for the bulk... Read more

Port of Vancouver USA grant to deploy and expand clean energy infrastructure

The Port of Vancouver USA has announced it has been awarded a $22.5 million grant by the U.S. Environmental... Read more