Wales

Ports in Wales represent every possible port type and activity. The industry handled 54 million tonnes of cargo in 2009 – 10% of total UK throughput, and equivalent to 18 tonnes of cargo per person.

The equivalent figure for England is 8 tonnes. Bearing in mind the UK’s position as the largest ports industry in the European Union, this is a significant total and makes the Welsh industry larger than, for example, the ports industry for the whole of the Republic of Ireland.

Ports in Wales are part of a maritime sector dependent on the richness and diversity of the coastal and marine environment. The Welsh coast extends for 1200km, much of it consisting of specially protected sites because of the habitats they sustain.

A study, “Valuing our Environment” and co-ordinated by the National Trust Wales, put some figures to the economic value the coast generates. It showed that 52,000 people are directly employed in coastal/marine activity, and 40,000 indirectly.

This generates £4.8bn in direct income, £2bn in indirect and induced activity and contributes £1.5bn of GDP to the Welsh economy. The highest number of estimated direct jobs are in Cardiff, followed by Pembrokeshire and Neath/Port Talbot, reflecting the continued importance of manufacturing to the sector.

The BPA in Wales

The Welsh Ports Group was set up in early 2009. It not only creates a network of ports in Wales, it also provides a focal point for the representation of port interests to the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). Ports policy is not devolved in Wales, but many important decisions taken by WAG, particularly on transport planning, are devolved; these include the Marine Consents Unit which has an important role in licensing marine activity such as disposal of dredgings.

In November 2010, a special reception launching the Welsh Ports brochure – “Driving Growth” – was attended by Assembly Members and many other representatives of organisations connected with the industry. With the recent “yes” to more devolved powers for Wales, it is becoming increasingly important to demonstrate not only the strength of the Welsh ports industry, but also its economic contribution and the importance of ensuring that policy in Wales fosters a successful, market led industry.