Andrew Hemphill, Port Director of Clydeport, has today been elected as Chairman of the Scottish Ports Group. The Scottish Ports Group is the only industry-led forum representing the views of this important and dynamic sector, which is a major contributor to the success of the Scottish economy.

The British Ports Association has issued a new warning today on the significant challenges for some ports around a ‘no deal’ Brexit, ahead of today’s vote in the UK Parliament.

The British Ports Association has welcomed the Government’s new Sector Deal for Offshore Wind which will offer significant new opportunities for coastal regions and ports.

Responding to the announcement that the Government will allocate £1.6bn in funding to communities to help drive job creation and enterprise, the British Ports Association has suggested that port regions should be targeted to develop coastal economic clusters.

Resilience planning is under way and UK ports have been working constructively with the Government to explore ways to mitigate the possible cross border issues that might arise at Roll-on Roll-off ports in the short term, in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.

The ports industry notes developments in Parliament this evening and some in our sector will have real concern about the increasing possibility of a ‘no deal’ Brexit outcome. We would urge the Government to clarify its alternative plans immediately and do whatever is necessary to avoid a disorderly withdrawal from the EU.

It is important to remember that, in the seemingly unlikely event that this deal is agreed by Parliament, this is the beginning of a process, not the end of it. We have yet to negotiate more than the basic principles behind our future relationship with the EU and there remains much to be agreed, including fundamental questions around if and how goods are checked and handled at the border.

The BPA is looking at challenges and opportunities facing UK ports beyond Brexit this year, although potential new border controls, changes to environmental and regulatory rules and a new fisheries policy remain as major themes for the industry in 2019.

Responding to the publication of the National Infrastructure Commission’s interim report into the Future of Freight, the British Ports Association has called on Government to review its freight strategy and prioritise port connectivity initiatives.

Following reports of a number of instances around the presence of defective pilot ladders on visiting ships and the regular use of dangerously weighted heaving lines by some vessels at UK ports, the British Ports Association has called on the international shipping community to face up to these ongoing safety issues.