A collective commitment made by Associated British Ports, the Bristol Port Company, DP World UK, Forth Ports, Hutchison Ports UK, PD Ports, Peel Ports and the Port of London Authority. Together they handle 72% of the freight passing through UK sea ports. “The UK’s seaport operators have a long, proud record of operating with high standards […]

If ever there was a year to demonstrate the perils of attempting to predict the future it was 2020. But at UK Major Ports Group we represent a fundamentally optimistic and forward-looking sector so we’re going to throw caution to the wind and gaze steadily into the 2021 crystal ball. But before looking forward its […]

Responding to media reports of demands for an inquiry about port congestion*, Tim Morris, CEO of the UK Major Ports Group, commented “The impact of COVID-19 has put unprecedented pressures on global supply chains. Imbalances have built up over time and there is strong demand globally for many goods sourced from Asia. It is undoubtedly […]

Commenting on press coverage of maritime supply chain disruption Tim Morris, CEO of the U.K. Major Ports Group, said “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented volatility in global supply chains. The impact is being felt across the world, including here in the U.K. The situation at the UK’s ports is improving following commitment of extra […]

The sad passing of light entertainment legend Des O’Connor put me in mind of the old joke about a lost traveller asking directions. Question: “How do I get to my destination?” Answer: “Well I wouldn’t start from here”. There are echoes in this of the UK’s preparations for the end of the EU transition period. […]

The UK Major Ports Group (“UKMPG”), the voice for the UK’s largest port operators including all deep sea container ports, has surveyed its members to find out how they are currently coping with the world-wide surge in shipping container movements. In short – ports are very busy but coping as they adapt to conditions. Surveying […]

The Government is currently consulting on fundamental changes to the planning system in England known as “Planning for the Future”. We’ve done a briefing paper with our friends at the planning consultancy Adams Hendry (which you can see here https://tinyurl.com/y2mzqcqu). Whilst the scope of the changes is disappointing and some of the proposals are worrying, […]

The UK Major Ports Group reports that the UK’s port sector has significant capacity to handle more EU-UK trade, an additional 60% of 2018 traffic Risks of delays and congestion can be reduced after the EU transition period if freight volumes use more of the available capacity at other UK ports outside of the France-Kent […]