News from the BPA

Scottish Ports Urge Caution on Cruise Levy and Greater Focus on Planning

Scottish Ministers should act to ease fears around a potential new tax on cruise passengers, and improve licensing and consenting to help the Scottish maritime industry deliver jobs and prosperity, MSPs and business leaders were told this week. 

Speaking at the annual maritime reception in the Scottish Parliament, the Chair of the Scottish Ports Group, said that the industry is optimistic about the future but needs support from government in delivering on joint ambitions for Scotland.

The annual reception is hosted by the British Ports Association (BPA), which facilitates the Scottish Ports Group,  the only forum for ports in Scotland, and the UK Chamber of Shipping. 250 stakeholders from across Scotland’s maritime sector attended the event, which was sponsored by Orkney MSP Liam McArthur. Attendees included members of the Scottish Parliament, business leaders, and representatives from various facets of the Scottish maritime industry. Among the speakers were Sinclair Browne, Chair of the Scottish Ports Group, the forum for ports in Scotland,  and Chief Executive of the Port of Inverness, and Scottish Transport Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP, alongside the Chief Executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping, Rhett Hatcher.  

A major theme of the event was the role of ports in facilitating Scotland’s energy transition. Ports are already investing heavily in infrastructure to support offshore wind development, green hydrogen production, and other clean energy initiatives. These investments aim to position Scotland as a global leader in the energy transition while generating significant economic benefits for local communities.

As ports are investing at pace to help unlock these opportunities, Sinclair Browne raised Scotland’s regulatory framework, which can, at times, stall the development of much-needed port infrastructure. He also raised concerns with the Scottish Government’s proposed levy on cruise passengers, which opens to public consultation this month. Stakeholders have urged the government to reconsider the proposed levy, emphasising the ripple effect it could have on local businesses, from hospitality to retail.

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The reception concluded with a call for continued collaboration between the maritime sector and the Scottish Government to ensure a balanced approach to economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community development. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, committed to working together to unlock the full potential of Scotland’s maritime industry.

“Scotland’s ports are leading the way in the energy transition by investing in infrastructure and innovation to support renewable energy. These developments are key to meeting Scotland’s climate goals while driving sustainable economic growth, but are sometimes unfortunately delayed due to Scotland’s regulatory framework. We look forward to continued discussions with the Scottish Government to ensure policies, including the proposed cruise passenger levy, align with shared goals of promoting sustainable growth and regional prosperity.”

Sinclair Browne, Chair of Scottish Ports Group & Chief Executive of Port of Inverness