What is the British Ports Association?

Created in 1992, the British Ports Association represents the interests of its 86 full members, and numerous associate members, to the United Kingdom and devolved Governments, the European Union and national and international bodies.

As our membership comprises many ports, terminal operators and port facilities, all of varying size, location and nature, the Association is able to draw upon a wide range of experience and knowledge to represent its members’ interests.

Our industry

The UK ports industry plays a fundamentally important role in the country’s economy. 95% of the UK’s international trade – imports and exports – is carried through UK ports which also handle 25million international passenger journeys each year. Ports are investing large sums – at no cost to the Exchequer – to expand facilities to cope with increasing demand, particularly in the ro/ro and container sectors. Investment of this nature is crucial if the UK economy is to remain competitive internationally.