What is the British Ports Association?

Created in 1992, the British Ports Association exists to represent the interests of its 90 full members, and numerous associate members, to the United Kingdom and devolved Governments, the European Union and numerous national and international bodies.

As our membership comprises of 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 in order to fulfill its remit, and represent the port industry in a wide range of fields and on a large number of issues.

Our industry

The UK ports industry plays an important role in the country’s economy. 95% of the UK’s international trade – imports and exports – is carried through UK ports. Our ports 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 container and ro/ro sectors. Investment of this nature is crucial if the UK economy is to remain competitive internationally. If all the currently approved schemes go ahead container capacity at UK ports will more than double over the next decade. Further details can be found here.