Welsh Ports Group - moving forward

The recently formed BPA/UKMPG joint Welsh Ports Group met in Holyhead on 21 October. The Welsh Assembly Government were present and a number of topical issues were discussed including the Welsh National Transport Plan, the Climate Change Strategy for Wales and the inspection activity of VOSA at ports. We also agreed to produce a Welsh ports industry value brochure and will be in contact with Welsh members about the content shortly.

Welsh Affairs Committee inquiry into ports

The Commons Welsh Affairs Committee has also recently reported on its inquiry into the Welsh Ports Industry and members of the group gave evidence before the Committee over the summer. In its report the Committee highlighted the value of the ports industry and suggested that there are opportunities to develop the Welsh cruise industry further. The report can be found here.

Municipal Ports Review refresh

Together with the Department for Transport the BPA has been discussing the refresh and expansion of the Municipal Ports Review guidance document with all the Welsh local authority managed ports. The 2006 review offers guidance on corporate governance and management structures, and is being refreshed following the recent update of the equivalent guidance for the Trust Port sector.

Next meeting of the Welsh Ports Group

The next meeting will be hosted by Milford Haven Port Authority on 20 April 2010. During the meeting we expect to hear from the WAG and DfT’s consents teams about the handover of responsibilities.

For further information about any of the above please contact the BPA.