The British Ports Association is delighted to reveal the finalists for the BPA Awards 2026, celebrating excellence, innovation, sustainability and outstanding achievement across the UK ports sector.
This year’s shortlist brings together an impressive range of organisations, projects and individuals, each recognised for their contribution to the ports and wider maritime industry.
The BPA is also delighted to be working with this year’s Awards sponsors, whose support helps us recognise and celebrate the achievements of the UK ports community.
The Award winners will be announced at the BPA Annual Conference Gala Dinner in Dover on 22 October 2026. This year’s finalists were selected following the largest number of nominations in the Awards’ history. With the shortlist also narrowed considerably this year to just three finalists in each category, being shortlisted is a significant achievement and reflects the outstanding work taking place across the UK ports and maritime industry. The Categories and Shortlisted Nominees are:
| SME Port of the Year Award 2026 – Kindly Sponsored by Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions This award recognises small and medium sized port enterprises who have demonstrated excellence in an area of port management such as operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement, development or user/customer relations. The finalists are: Dart Harbour Port of Inverness Port of Workington |
| Industry Award 2026 – Kindly Sponsored by Jacobs This Award is for an Associate Member of the BPA that has supplied services, advice, or equipment to the UK ports sector, which has made a significant impact in our industry over the last 12 months. The finalist are: Ashfords LLP Liebherr Great Britain Shape Associates |
| Inclusive Workplace Award 2026 – Kindly Sponsored by Waterman Group A port, harbour, or marine facility that has demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in its workplace culture, with equal opportunities for all employees. The finalists are: Belfast Harbour Foyle Port Port of Milford Haven |
| Port Sustainability Award 2026 – Kindly Sponsored by ABB Celebrating a port, harbour, marine facility, or employee that has driven environmental initiatives from reducing emissions, making sustainable changes, or promoting biodiversity and habitats. The finalists are: ABP Solent Gateway Port of Dover Shoreham Port |
| Port Development Award 2026 – Kindly sponsored by Ramboll To be given to a port in recognition of achievements in the planning, design, construction, and execution of a development or project. This highlights initiatives and schemes that have built new infrastructure, enhanced port estates, capacity, and efficiency, driving port activity and economic growth. Those shortlisted are: Belfast Harbour PD Ports Redcar Bulk Terminal |
| Exceptional Contribution Award 2026 – Kindly Sponsored by Liebherr Great Britain Recognition of an individual and/or team who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation, and impact within their organisation or community. Recipients of this award have gone above and beyond their regular duties, making a significant difference in advancing goals, collaborations, or solving complex challenges. To be announced at the BPA Conference Gala Dinner |
