Last week, Policy and Economic Analyst for the BPA, Phoebe Warneford-Thomson, attended the Scottish National Party’s 85th Annual Conference in Aberdeen. The event was held at The Event Complex Aberdeen, a brand new, expansive event complex just outside Aberdeen city centre; which, incidentally, is the site where the BPA 2020 Conference will be held. The key themes of the conference were not surprising; with much discussion of Britain’s exit from the European Union, the failings of the Westminster Parliament and the SNP’s continued pursuit of independence. Though it was welcome to see how Scotland’s maritime industry was often considered within the context of these themes; especially with regards to the resolution on Developing Maritime Trade.

The British Ports Association has cautiously welcomed the Government’s announcement of “up to 10 new freeports”. The BPA has developed ambitious complementary Port Enterprise and Development Zone proposals.

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.

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.

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

Commenting on today’s Budget Statement, the British Ports Association’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne said:

The BPA is calling for all UK fish to be landed in the UK, post-Brexit

The British Ports Association is attending the Party Conferences this year and this week Policy Manager and political specialist, Mark Simmonds, has been with the Conservative Party, following the developments.