The British Ports Association has welcomed the new Transport Secretary to his role and highlighted the huge opportunities that ports offer in supporting the Government’s agenda around trade and prosperity.

The British Ports Association (BPA) is holding its annual Coastal Shipping Seminar later this summer to continue promoting opportunities for UK ports, shipping operators and cargo owners. In comparison with other transport modes, shipping is an efficient and environmentally sustainable option but often cargo owners are not always fully aware of coastal shipping transport options.

As this year’s UK Seafarers Awareness Week draws to a close the UK Maritime Pilots Association (UKMPA) and the British Ports Association (BPA) have today jointly called on the global shipping industry to raise the bar on pilot transfer safety arrangements for ships arriving and leaving ports.

The British Ports Association has welcomed the Government’s Clean Maritime Plan, published today and launched by Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani MP in London.

The UK maritime industry is taking a leading stand in the fight against the illegal use of Dangerously Weighted Heaving Lines (“DWHLs”) in UK ports and harbours, an issue spanning the shipping and ports sectors.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), which is recognised as the representational voice for recreational boaters, and the British Ports Association (BPA), representing over 350 ports, harbours and piers around the UK’s coast, have joined forces to welcome a ministerial announcement of an alcohol awareness campaign.

The BPA has welcomed the renewed focus from Maritime Safety Week, which has seen Government launch a new Maritime Safety Action Plan and Port Skills and Safety launch the first ever sector-wide health and safety plan.

The impact of open-loop scrubbers on sediments in harbour areas remains unclear. That is concerning many in the ports industry, says the British Ports Association.

The Chairman of the British Ports Association has called for a return to stability and a relentless focus on building a business environment that supports investment and skills. Martin Lawlor, BPA Chairman and Chief Executive of the Port of Blyth, spoke to an audience of MPs, Peers, and industry representatives at the House of Commons.

With the breakbulk sector gathering in Bremen today at this year’s Breakbulk Europe, the British Ports Association has renewed calls for further consideration of coastal shipping opportunities and a greater focus on port connectivity schemes within the UK.