Ahead of the expected third and final tranche of Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) designations in English waters, the British Ports Association has called on Environment Secretary Michael Gove to review the impact of all existing management measures on port operations and urgently examine the implications a specific designation which could lead to a ban on anchoring of commercial and recreational ships as well as fishing activities within a statutory harbour area.

With the freight and logistics industry gathered in Birmingham at this year’s Multimodal exhibition, the British Ports Association has renewed calls for a new UK freight strategy and the further consideration of coastal shipping opportunities.

Following the publication of a study today (Monday) by the British Chambers of Commerce and the Port of Dover, which found that many importers and exporters are not preparing for changes to customs procedures after Brexit, the British Ports Association’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne suggested:

The British Ports Association has today elected Alec Don, Chief Executive of Milford Haven Port Authority, as Chairman for a two year term, at its Annual General Meeting in London.

The BPA has welcomed the publication of the UK Government’s Port Connectivity Study; ‘Transport Infrastructure for our global future’, but suggested that investment guarantees, support and guidance for local planners and a new overarching freight strategy would be needed for Government to deliver on many of the report’s recommendations.

The BPA has written to the Prime Minister calling for funding guarantees for any new border facilities and digital infrastructure which may be needed after the UK leaves the European Union.

The Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf MSP today attended the launch of a new brochure produced by the Scottish ports industry at the British Ports Association’s Scottish Ports Group in Glasgow.

Necessary action on GHG shipping emissions must be fully global, practical and not distort competition. The UK Government must now work with ports and shipping industry on realistic and achievable aims.

The British Ports Association has a new member of the team, Shenaz Bussawon, who started with us this week in the role of Personal Assistant and Office Manager. Shenaz will be helping us organise our events and will also be looking after much of the BPA’s finances, website, communications and general administration so you will no doubt start to see messages from her. Prior to the BPA, Shenaz had worked within the retail wholesale sector as PA, office manager and wholesales assistant within various footwear brands. She is very much looking forward to meeting members, attending our Annual Lunch later this month and learning about the ports industry.

The British Ports Association has today published a new report - ‘A Brexit Dividend’, which calls on the UK Government to deliver on the Prime Minister’s pledge of ‘frictionless’ trade after Brexit.