The British Ports Association has welcomed news that the UK Government will postpone its plans to introduce full border checks on traffic arriving from the EU for six months from January 2021. This will be done for imports into the UK in three phases until July 2021.

The British Ports Association is concerned that the new quarantine measures announced this afternoon by the Home Secretary will stifle the recovery of international maritime passenger travel. There needs to be a risk-based approach to ‘transit corridors’ and recognition that ferry travel to neighbouring countries could be much safer than other transport options.

The BPA is calling on Government to broaden the scope of testing and ensure that those working to keep the country supplied with imported food, energy and medicines are protected.

Responding to the publication of the Government’s policy paper on its new Emergency Bill the British Ports Association has said that keeping the UK’s global gateways open for trade should be a priority.

Following the publication of the UK’s Government’s approach to the EU trade negotiations, the British Ports Association’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne said:

New figures published this week show the Scottish Maritime sector directly supports nearly £10 billion in turnover and 41,000 jobs

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.