Our Priorities for the Next Government

Sustainability & Net Zero

Surface and Energy Connectivity

The Offshore Energy Transition

Sustainability & Net Zero
Regulation and targets surrounding the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and mitigating and adapting to climate change are the most significant facing the sector and require close and ongoing partnership between government and the ports and other industries.

Read more about this priority here.

Connectivity
Ports invest hundreds of millions of private capital in infrastructure, skills and services every year. We depend on government to deliver public investment in road and rail connections to keep ports competitive.

As ports decarbonise their own operations, they will increasingly need better access to energy networks.

Read more about connectivity here.

Offshore Wind
Ports are critical to the development of offshore wind. The sector is optimistic about the opportunities the transition to renewables will bring. It is vital that government is ready to offer the support necessary to ensure UK ports are competitive so that the jobs and prosperity associated with the transition stay in the UK.

​Read more about the offshore energy transition here.

Government can deliver on these priorities through...

We have set out actions Government can take to support the ports industry in the short, medium and long-term, below. Many of the proposals fall within three broad areas.

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Planning Reform
Ports want to develop and grow but do need an agile and responsive planning and consenting system. The BPA has published a working paper on terrestrial planning reform and is working on a marine equivalent and we are keen to explore the implementation of these pieces of work through a new government working group which we co-chair. At the heart of our recommendations is a system that is fast, easy to understand and consistent.
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Read our terrestrial planning document, here.

Targeted Funding
The ports industry is independent of government when it comes to funding and governance, and this independence has underpinned the success of the sector for thirty years.

It is clear, however, that Government support will be needed to support the maritime industry's net zero ambitions, the electrification of ports, and the energy transition.

The next government must, at the earliest opportunity, set out its funding plans for UK SHORE, the next round of FLOWMIS, fishing ports, and freight and energy network connectivity.

Improved Regulatory Capacity
​Expertise and experience at key regulators has been hollowed out, resulting in licensing bodies and regulators that are holding back growth all across the UK. We need confident and commercially focused regulators that support ports. If that cannot be delivered, then new ways of doing things need to be found.

The Relationship Between Ports and Government

​The ports industry enjoys a constructive relationship with Government. The Department for Transport holds the primary responsibility for the sector but many of the biggest challenges facing the sector fall within the remit of other Government departments. Ports policy is also devolved, although shipping, borders, security, and some environmental issues are reserved. This means that in many cases UK government makes policy for English ports (plus Milford Haven, which is reserved) only. The industry is supportive of devolution, and it has brought many benefits, but we are mindful of an increasingly diverging regulatory landscape and the impact this can have on competitiveness.

​The relationship between industry and government is built around some core principles which the next administration should restate in the National Ports Policy Statement, which is expected soon after the election, and any other forthcoming policy documents:

INDEPENDENCE

Government should maintain the longstanding consensus around the independence of the port sector, in both governance and core funding, which is the foundation of its success.

sensible Investment

Ports rely on national, sub-national, and local government to deliver infrastructure up to the port gate, from roads and rail to fibre and power grids. This must be done in a transparent way and backed with a long-term plan.

technological neutrality

Government plays an importance role in supporting innovation and the transition to net zero but must remain neutral on how goals are achieved.

Our Programme for Government:
​First 100 Days

• Take immediate action to clear the backlog of harbour orders holding back port modernisation and development.

• Supercharge port electrification and renewable generation with a plan for energy connectivity for ports, regulatory reform, and new funding for high TRL projects through UK SHORE.

• Unlock billions in private sector investment by announcing the next round of funding to support the offshore energy transition.

• ​Reverse the Department for Transport’s opposition to second and third generation biofuels for maritime and allow their use specifically to meet the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation for harbour authorities' marine assets, supporting immediate and significant emissions reductions across the whole sector and the development of a market for sustainable biofuels.

Our Programme for Government:
​First Year

• Boost UK ports’ competitiveness by backing the industry’s proposed marine and terrestrial planning reforms and putting a funding plan in place for port and freight connectivity.

• Develop the Freeports and Investment Zones programmes by expanding the benefits to more ports and regions, and for longer.

 

• Fundamental reform of marine licensing that enhances habitats and biodiversity whilst delivering certainty and speed for developers.

 

• A BPA-government partnership on offshore wind development and funding to explore how to de-risk and drive development quickly.

 

• Commitments to expand trade and improve the flow of goods and people through our international gateways as well as exploring how we take advantage of modal shift opportunities.

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• In partnership with the our fishing ports, develop a long-term plan for ports and harbours based on increasing landings into the UK.

 

• Engage with BPA members on the implementation of the UK border strategy and UK single window, putting the facilitation of freight and people at the heart of UK border policy.

Our Programme for Government:
​The Next Parliament

• Reduce border bureaucracy and boost trade by exploring a comprehensive SPS agreement with the EU.

• ​Introduce a Harbours Bill to reform harbour orders and introduce a general power of competence for harbour authorities.

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• Establish a mandatory UK-wide registration scheme for recreational vessels and levy to help tackle the scourge of vessels abandoned in UK ports, which present environmental and cost challenges for many harbours.