Unleash the full potential of UK ports
UK ports invested more than one billion pounds of private capital into infrastructure projects in 2021 whilst contributing nearly double that amount to the Exchequer. A er two years of unprecedented trade volatility where ports have kept the country open for business and supplied with critical goods, now is the time to unleash the potential of the industry all parts of the UK.
The establishment of eight freeports in England recognises that ports are places that anchor prosperity and innovation in local economies. At its heart this is essentially an industrial policy for the marine industries which can help push jobs and opportunities to our coastal communities. O en based in areas of deprivation, ports are a ractive options for private investment given the many fast-growing industries that make use of our world class infrastructure. From cruise to offshore energy, we are calling on administrations to back the industry and work with us to ensure that this long-term sustainable growth is maximised. This includes ending the gridlock in the rollout of freeports beyond England and ensuring maritime regulators have the resources they need to support an increasingly ambitious sector.
Our industry is not looking for handouts or subsidy. Our message to all UK governments is that your priorities are our priorities and we want to work together to realise those shared ambitions: net zero, increased prosperity in all parts of the UK, and a confident global Britain that is open to the world.
Whether it’s freeports or new Clydebank Green Shipping Corridors announced at COP26, ports are places where an increasing amount of innovation will be necessary to ensure our long-term energy and trading needs are met. What we need from government are terrestrial and marine planning regimes that support sustainable development and do not hold up or deter investment. A stable regulatory regime that is focused on be er outcomes instead of processes is also critical to keeping trade flowing and marine industries moving.
The sector has long depended on government to provide high quality connections outside the port gate. Whilst improved road and rail connectivity continues to be a major priority for us, we increasingly need good energy connectivity, too. The sector also needs an energy system that is going to meet the significant demands from shipping, port operations and wider industrial activity that benefits from being near to ports. The energy needs of 2050 must be planned for today. Ports that have traditionally been at the edge of these networks now find themselves hubs of generation or landing points for cables coming ashore and so there is no excuse for our industry to be le behind when government and network operators are planning their investments.
An independent and marketled ports policy has delivered a sector that is investing in infrastructure and a highly productive workforce. Our success depends on continued collaboration with UK governments.
Ports handle 95% of UK trade