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.

Ahead of this week’s gathering of Europe’s major port gateways at the European Sea Ports Organisation’s Annual Conference in Italy and terminal operators in Bremen for the Breakbulk expo, the British Ports Association has written to the UK’s Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss MP, requesting that the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review considers how to replicate the EU’s schemes that provide investment for the transport and infrastructure network.

UK ports are watching developments at the International Maritime Organization closely this week as the Marine Environment Protection Committee meets to debate a number of key issues for global shipping, including eye-catching proposals for speed limits. Ports are on the front line of the effects of climate change and are already taking steps to adapt to increasingly common severe weather events and rising sea levels that have the potential to disrupt shipping and port operations.

The British Ports Association is calling on the ports industry to enter the inaugural Maritime UK Awards. A brand-new, national awards programme celebrating the breadth of the UK’s £37.4bn maritime sector is set to be launched today (April 26) by Maritime UK.

A record turnout of over 300 guests gathered in London today for the British Ports Association’s annual lunch and AGM, which struck an optimistic tone about the role of ports in supporting a range of economic and environmental goals.

The British Ports Association welcomes the focus on freight transport recommend by the National Infrastructure Commission but it suggests more investment in network capabilities and port connectivity is key to establishing better efficiencies. The quality of the transport network is critical for efficient freight movement and business growth.