Falmouth Harbour, Harwich Haven Authority, Haventus (Ardersier Energy Transition Facility), the Port of Milford Haven, the Port of Tyne, and engineering specialists Jacobs all scooped important industry titles at the 2025 BPA Annual Awards.
This year’s British Ports Association Awards ceremony took place alongside the Association’s Annual Conference in the Humber last night, proudly hosted by Associated British Ports and the Port of Grimsby east. The distinguished awards are judged by an independent panel of industry experts and both recognise and showcase outstanding performance in the ports sector.
SME Port of the Year sponsored by Ports Skills & Safety winner: Falmouth Harbour
Falmouth Harbour was recognised for its leadership in sustainability and community engagement. The trust port has invested in a cleaner, more efficient pilot vessel, switched to 100% renewable electricity, adopted HVO fuel across its fleet, and achieved Real Living Wage accreditation. Its biodiversity projects, youth partnerships, and focus on staff wellbeing highlight how small ports can deliver major local impact.
Inclusive Workplace Award sponsored by Haskoning, winner: Harwich Haven Authority
Harwich Haven Authority was recognised for championing inclusion and creating the UK’s first all-female launch crew. With gender balance across its Board and Executive team, inclusive recruitment, enhanced parental leave, and flexible working, the Authority is setting a new benchmark for equality in the maritime sector.
Port Development Award sponsored by Seacap, winner: Haventus (Ardersier Energy Transition Facility)
Haventus was recognised for transforming the former Ardersier fabrication yard into Scotland’s newest and largest dedicated offshore wind energy port facility. The multi-million redevelopment includes a new 659-metre quay wall, extensive dredging, renewable energy systems, and a £1m community benefit fund, positioning the port at the centre of the energy transition.
Port Sustainability Award sponsored by Ramboll, winner: Port of Tyne
The Port of Tyne’s Tyne 2050 strategy places sustainability at the centre of operations, targeting Net Zero by 2030 and full electrification by 2040. The Port has cut carbon emissions by 32%, introduced the UK’s first fully electric foiling pilot vessel, and invested heavily in clean-energy infrastructure through its Clean Energy Park and Green North Sea Shipping Corridor.
Exceptional Contribution (Team) sponsored by Shape Associates, winner: Port of Tyne 2050 Innovation Hub Team
The 2050 Innovation Hub team was celebrated for driving real-world innovation across decarbonisation, automation, and digital transformation. Through partnerships with industry, academia, and government, the team has delivered the UK’s first port-wide 5G network, autonomous drone operations, and the nationally recognised Maritime Innovation Week.
Exceptional Contribution (Individual) sponsored by Shape Associates, winner: David Barrett, Port of Milford Haven
David Barrett was honoured for his outstanding service and community leadership. He is locally known as “Mr Marina” and spent over two decades working at the port. A sixth-generation port worker, he played a key role in the regeneration of Milford Fish Docks, performed a lifesaving rescue, and continues to volunteer with the RNLI and local charities, embodying the best of the UK ports community.
Industry Award sponsored by Freshwater, winner: Jacobs
Jacobs was recognised for its partnership with Associated British Ports in securing Development Consent Orders for two nationally significant infrastructure projects — the Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal and the Immingham Green Energy Terminal. The projects advance low-carbon energy infrastructure and set a new standard for major port development in the UK.
“Congratulations to all the winners, this was an excellent year for the ports industry, and this was reflected in the quality of nominations. The Awards celebrate progression and organisational change in our sector. They also cover environmental performance and innovative infrastructure development. All of the finalists demonstrated a high level of excellence and they show the wide array of exciting achievements there have been in the UK ports sector.
In particular, I would like to highlight David Barrett of Milford Haven Port who was recognised with the Exceptional Contribution Award. This Award highlighted both his role at the port around the regeneration of Milford Fish Docks, but also his vital life saving voluntary work with the RLNI. A real star and he is deservedly recognised.
Also congratulations to all the Award finalists. Every application was an example of the great things our sector is doing. And finally thanks to our Awards sponsors; Freshwater, Haskoning, Port Skills & Safety Ramboll, Seacap and Shape Associates, we really do appreciate their support. Well done all round!”
