Incoming BPA Chair praises port resilience
(Posted on 29/04/21)
The British Ports Association’s (BPA) Annual General Meeting and briefing session held today, 27 April 2021, was headed by the newly elected BPA Chair Neil Glendinning.
Mr Glendinning, Chief Executive of Harwich Haven Authority, praised the ports industry for their steadfast and resolute work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic when other industries were scaling back operations. Mr Glendinning also touched upon key developments in BPA policy, including the necessity for sustainable economic growth in the form of Freeports.
Mr Glendinning said, “The hard work and resolve of the ports sector during these trying and unprecedented times has demonstrated the resilience of this essential industry.
While the last twelve months have been difficult for everyone, the next twelve months present an opportunity for the ports sector to pursue a recovery effort that prioritises decarbonisation and a robust logistical network capable of dealing with such unforeseen events. Further items expected to feature heavily on the agenda is the changing role of globalisation and achieving sustainable economic growth for regional communities.”
UK Maritime Minister Robert Courts MP joined part of the online AGM and briefing session to outline the key challenges and opportunities facing the maritime sector, and how government policy can support this. He also answered questions submitted by members of the BPA. Robert Courts MP commented, “I am proud of the progress taken by the ports industry on the priorities as set out in our Maritime 2050 strategy. Our ports play a critical role in ensuring goods such as food and medicines, continue to flow into the country regardless of any challenges faced.”
Due to continuing Covid-19 restrictions, the event was held virtually. In addition to these talks, members of the BPA elected Andy Jones, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, as the new Deputy Chair, and Maurice Bullick, Finance and Compliance Director at Belfast Harbour, as Honorary Treasurer. Both of these roles, in addition to the Chair, will be for a term of two years. The full list of BPA Officers and Council members can be viewed here.
Also on the agenda for the AGM today was the adoption of the BPA's 2020 Annual Report and Annual Accounts, the BPA 's Treasurer gave an update on the BPA's finances, and changes to the BPA's Constitution were agreed.
Latest News
IBJ and DBTG founding “Mother” Julia Peckham passes away after short illness
(Posted on 25/04/24)IBJ is sad to announce the news that Julia Peckham has passed away after a short illness. Julia, often... Read more
Bold plan to decarbonize Detroit port operations and improve air quality
(Posted on 23/04/24)The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority has revealed details of an ambitious programme to dramatically... Read more
Port of Antwerp Bruges' quarterly figures reflect resilience
(Posted on 18/04/24)The total cargo throughput of Port of Antwerp-Bruges amounted to 70.4 million tonnes in the first quarter... Read more
North Sea Port records Q1 cargo throughput decline
(Posted on 18/04/24)Seaborne cargo transhipment at North Sea Port fell by 3.2% in the first quarter of this year compared... Read more
Green light for river access channel to HAROPA’s Port 2000
(Posted on 15/04/24)The Administrative Court in Rouen, France has dismissed a summary motion seeking the suspension of application... Read more
Agreement to develop Al Faw Grand Port and Economic Zone in Iraq
(Posted on 15/04/24)AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi based facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry, has entered into... Read more
Rotterdam calls on EU to position ports smartly for future-proofing Europe
(Posted on 29/03/24)The European Union faces the challenge of reconciling the transition to a sustainable economy with preserving... Read more
Study: ports not ready to handle onboard captured carbon dioxide
(Posted on 25/03/24)A recent study commissioned by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), in collaboration... Read more
ABP pioneers grain-monitoring robot
(Posted on 18/03/24)Spearheading innovation in agricultural storage and safety at work, Associated British Ports (ABP),... Read more
Bilbao hosts intra-European green hydrogen corridor discussions
(Posted on 15/03/24)The Port of Bilbao has hosted a meeting organised by the business agency of the Netherlands, with representatives... Read more
