The UK Ports Industry
Ports are fundamental to the UK’s economy and overall prosperity. The industry operates independently of government in its ownership, governance and funding, investing over £600m a year infrastructure and contributing £1.2bn a year to the Exchequer. The success of the sector is a result of a three-decade consistent and sound policy consensus. Whilst the industry is optimistic about the future and the challenges it faces around the transition to net zero and meeting the UK’s ambitious offshore wind targets, there are a number of actions we need from the next government to support the sector’s continued growth and competitiveness.
UK ports handled 458 million tonnes of cargo in 2022, including over half of the food and energy consumed across the country. Ports handle 95% of the UK’s trade in goods, valued at £891 billion in 2022. As well as being critical to UK logistics, ports also underpin the wider marine economy, including offshore energy, fishing, marine leisure and tourism, and more.
Beyond its national economic significance, the ports industry is integral to local and regional communities, providing 125,000 jobs and contributing £1.9 billion to the Exchequer annually. Ports invest around £600 million in infrastructure each year, underpinning the growth of marine industries, including the burgeoning offshore energy sector. This investment not only sustains economic activity but also fosters innovation and development in renewable energy, positioning the UK as a leader in this field. The industry's robust infrastructure and economic contributions ensure it remains a foundational pillar for the UK's future growth and sustainability.
UK ports handled 458 million tonnes of cargo in 2022, including over half of the food and energy consumed across the country. Ports handle 95% of the UK’s trade in goods, valued at £891 billion in 2022. As well as being critical to UK logistics, ports also underpin the wider marine economy, including offshore energy, fishing, marine leisure and tourism, and more.
Beyond its national economic significance, the ports industry is integral to local and regional communities, providing 125,000 jobs and contributing £1.9 billion to the Exchequer annually. Ports invest around £600 million in infrastructure each year, underpinning the growth of marine industries, including the burgeoning offshore energy sector. This investment not only sustains economic activity but also fosters innovation and development in renewable energy, positioning the UK as a leader in this field. The industry's robust infrastructure and economic contributions ensure it remains a foundational pillar for the UK's future growth and sustainability.
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£10.8bn in GVA
458 million tonnes of cargo handled last year
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Each job is 51% more productive than the UK average
6.35
Jobs multiplier |
Average pay is 40% higher than the UK average
~600m of private capital invested each year in infrastructure
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125,000 direct jobs
£1.2bn contributed to the Exchequer annually
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