The most important recent policy developments have been:-

Current legislation

There are various pieces of legislation which are going through Parliament that are relevant to the ports sector:

• The Planning Bill, will streamline decisions on major infrastructure developments, lead to a National Ports Policy Statement and require the DfT to develop market forecasts
• The Draft Marine Bill, will create a new Marine Management Organisation to administer marine issues and decide on most port development applications
• The Draft Marine Navigation Bill, proposes to reinforce the industry’s ‘Port Marine Safety Code’ and reform the pilotage certification system

Further details can be found here

Other issues

Aside from these Bills we are in the latter stages of a ports policy review. As well as this ports are also being asked to comply with a new system of security regulations, participate in the discussions about the restructuring of the management of the UK’s border controls and work towards the UK’s implementation of the Water Framework Directive.

The Embarkation and Disembarkation of Pilots: Code of Safe Practice

• The revised version has now been issued and is available here

Other developments in recent years

Some of the other developments which have been important in recent years are:

The Eddington, Stern and Barker Reports (2006)

• These three Treasury-sponsored reports examine transport policy, climate-change and the planning system; and consider their impacts on the UK economy
• Eddington focused on the importance of international gateways and good landside connections from ports and airports.
• Stern identified the creation of a price for carbon as a key task in halting climate change.
• The Barker report argued for the creation of a new Independent Planning Commission structure to consider major developments.

Scottish National Transport Strategy (2006)

• The NTS forms the basis of a holistic approach to promoting transport in Scotland, with the aim of facilitating economic development.
• The strategy recognises the importance of ports as key international gateways for goods and people into the Scottish Economy, and as key links in the chain of life-line services.
• The NTS reinforced a market-led port industry and the importance of commercially-viable development without distorting subsidies.

House of Commons Transport Committee Inquiry into Ports (2006)

• The Transport Committee, whilst continuing to support the main elements of the ‘Modern Ports’ approach also advocated more central planning of port capacity
• This was particularly aimed at encouraging port development away from the Greater South East of England

Project Appraisal Framework for Ports (2003)

• Provides guidance to promoters of port developments and those affected by them.
• Formalises the information required to support planning applications.
• Supports the “case by case” approach to port developments.

House of Commons Transport Committee Inquiry into Ports (2003)

• Generally supportive of the “Modern Ports” approach, although recommends a return to a national planning strategy, particularly for large developments.
• Identifies the need for better statistical information.
• Underlines the need for improved hinterland links.

EU Ports Package (2001)

• Sets out the European Commission’s ports policy across a range of competition, financing and service provision issues.
• Analyses the influence of state aid.
• Proposes formalisation of the tendering process for service providers.

Modern Ports: A UK Policy (2000)

• Sets out the broad aims of government – the first such paper for over 30 years.
• Concludes that “Government does not run the ports industry. Government does not decide the port industry’s commercial strategy or direct or fund its investment”.
• Supports best environmental practice, improving safety and making the best us of existing infrastructure.

Trust Ports Review (2000)

• Conducted in close consultation with the industry resulting in “Modernising Trust Ports – a Guide to Good Governance”.
• Sets out standards as a benchmark for all ports.
• Encourages the development of an open and accountable relationship between ports, their users and local communities.

Port Marine Safety Code (2000)

• Sets out agreed standards for safe marine operations.
• Requires each harbour authority to produce a periodic statement on how it discharges its navigational safety duties.
• Has led to the development of national standards for pilots, harbour masters and Vessel Traffic Services operators.