As the UK finally embarks on Brexit negotiations, our island nation’s attention is being focused on the vital role our ports, harbours and seafarers will have to play in the future. Increased world trade will likely increase the 95% of imports and exports that currently pass through our sea ports. Merchant ships continue to grow […]

On 1 and 2 June, the European port industry gathered in Barcelona for ESPO’s annual conference entitled “Ports in a changing Climate, a Changing world”. During the first conference day, Alvaro Rodriguez, high level Climate Reality representative, inspired the audience with an eye opening presentation on the impacts of climate change and a positive message […]

Ports remain at the forefront of the drive to protect the UK’s future prosperity.  95% of our trade in goods moves by sea and ports provide the key link connecting British businesses and exporters to global markets.  This is more important than ever, as we begin the process of leaving the European Union and start […]

The United Kingdom Major Ports Group (‘UKMPG’) has today announced that its Executive Director, Theresa Crossley, will be stepping down in October this year. Theresa will be leaving UKMPG to take up a new role as Chief Executive of the International Maritime Rescue Foundation (‘IMRF’). Theresa has led UKMPG, which represents ports that handle 75% […]

As the EU Port Services Regulation finally comes into force, it is timely to remind Government of the importance of achieving the best possible deal for UK ports in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations. For the UK, the ports industry is a vital part of our modern economy – supporting British jobs, driving innovation and enabling […]

The UK’s Major Ports have pledged to help Government make Brexit a success by collaborating to create a regulatory environment that boosts the UK’s international competitiveness. Speaking at the UKMPG Annual Parliamentary Reception, Chairman James Cooper said Brexit represents an opportunity for Government to introduce ambitious policies which will support UK trade and exports. “We […]

The decision to leave the EU places ports at the forefront of the drive to protect the UK’s future prosperity.  95% of our trade in goods moves by sea and ports provide the key link connecting British businesses and exporters to global markets.  Our industry stands ready to work closely with government to help deliver […]

As the dust begins to settle following the decision of the British people to leave the European Union, the UK’s maritime industry pledges to continue to work closely with government to champion and grow maritime, ensuring it fulfils its crucial role in growing and strengthening the UK economy as we chart a new course forward. […]

The UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG) represents most of the larger commercial ports in the United Kingdom. It has nine members who, between them, own and operate 41 ports around the UK and account for over 70% of the tonnage handled in UK ports. UKMPG members will each have their own view on UK membership […]

Yesterday, in a vote in the European Parliament, 35% of MEPs backed the UK ports industry’s call to reject the proposed Port Services Regulation. As a result, it is now clear – the proposed Port Services Regulation is no longer just a British problem. It’s a European problem. We are delighted that so many MEPs […]