British Ports Association
BPA Awards 2026 Open for Nominations!
Nominations for this year’s BPA Awards are now open. The 2026 Awards programme includes six categories:
- Port Development Award
- Port Sustainability Award
- Inclusive Workplace Award
- Industry Award
- SME Port of the Year Award
- Exceptional Contribution Award
To submit a nomination, please apply here.
| Port Development Award 2026 The BPA Port Development Award recognises a port that has successfully delivered an outstanding development project through excellence in planning, design, construction, and implementation. The award highlights initiatives that have strengthened port infrastructure, enhanced estates, increased capacity, or improved operational efficiency, supporting port activity and wider economic growth. Projects may include new infrastructure, expansion of existing facilities, technological upgrades, sustainability improvements, or operational enhancements. |
| Port Sustainability Award 2026 The BPA Port Sustainability Award recognises a port, harbour, marine facility, or an individual that has delivered meaningful environmental initiatives. This may include reducing emissions, implementing sustainable operational changes, or enhancing biodiversity and natural habitats. To ensure a level playing field among applicants, submissions will not be assessed solely on total emissions reduced. Instead, judges will consider the pace of progress, the delivery of practical and measurable actions, and the extent to which sustainability is embedded across all port activities. |
| Inclusive Workplace Award 2026 The BPA Inclusive Workplace Award recognises a port, harbour, or marine facility that has demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion within its workplace culture. This may include initiatives such as policies, programmes, training, recruitment practices, employee support systems, or community engagement activities that promote equal opportunities and foster a diverse and inclusive working environment. |
| Industry Award 2026 The BPA Industry of the Year Award recognises an associate member of the British Ports Association that has provided exceptional services, advice, or equipment to port members over the past 18 months. Applicants should demonstrate how their contribution has delivered clear value to the sector. This may include technological innovation, consultancy services, equipment supply, infrastructure support, environmental solutions, or other services that have significantly benefited UK ports. |
| SME Port of the Year Award 2026 The BPA SME Port of the Year Award is open to small and medium-sized port enterprises that can demonstrate outstanding performance and contribution to the port sector. Entries should showcase achievements such as improvements in operational efficiency, successful development projects, strong stakeholder engagement, and excellent customer relationships, all contributing to the growth and success of the port and the wider industry. See GOV.UK: What are SMEs? |
| Exceptional Contribution Award 2026 The BPA Exceptional Contribution Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation, and impact within their organisation or the wider port community. Recipients will have gone beyond their normal responsibilities to make a significant contribution, whether through advancing strategic goals, strengthening collaboration, or addressing complex challenges. Nominations should highlight clear examples of initiative, teamwork, and measurable positive outcomes. |
The Awards are open to all ports (except for the Industry award which is only open to BPA Associate members). Applications will be independently judged from a diverse group of industry leaders and awarded at the BPA Gala Dinner on Thursday 22 October, as part of the BPA Dover Conference 2026.
The deadline for submissions is close of play on Friday 17 July 2026.
We wish you the best of luck!