UKMPG and the British Ports Association (BPA) have campaigned strongly against this proposed regulation since it was launched by the Commission in May 2013. UK ports are amongst the most efficient and productive in the world, contribute substantially to the UK economy and employment, and operate without cost to the taxpayer. While claiming to promote […]

The United Kingdom Major Ports Group (UKMPG) has launched a new manifesto – Ports4Prosperity – for the UK ports industry at the recent party conferences in Manchester and Birmingham. A copy of the manifesto can be downloaded here. Representing 41 of the UK’s major ports, UKMPG is calling on the Government to work with the […]

The Department for Transport yesterday issued a Parliamentary statement confirming the repatriation of Irish lights costs to the Republic of Ireland in 2015/16 and the transfer of the GLA’s pension schemes to the Civil Service pension scheme funded by the Government. Light dues are to be reduced by 1p in 2014/15 to 40p per tonne. […]

Many ports in England and Wales already have powers to issue safety directions to port users, for example to limit vessel speed. But not all ports have such powers and getting Government approval to bring them in has been a complex and expensive process. However a much speedier system has been introduced under the Marine […]

Speaking at UKMPG’s annual Parliamentary reception on 26 November, UKMPG Chairman Charles Hammond reported that ports are in good health and making a significant contribution to the UK economy, aided by high levels of investment and a market-led approach. He also highlighted the potential risk posed by the proposed EU Port Services Regulation to the […]

The Commons Transport Committee has issued an important report on improving access to ports. Describing ports as “national assets” essential to the economic wellbeing of the country, the MPs called for priority to be given to removing constraints to port development caused by inadequate transport infrastructure. Other recommendations are that the Government should help ports […]

UKMPG welcomes the formal launch of the Harbour Masters Certificate on 13 November and the achievement of the first five successful candidates who have piloted the new process. The introduction of the certificate is recognition of the vital role which Harbour Masters play in promoting operational safety at our ports. It is also highly appropriate […]

UKMPG Executive Director Richard Bird addressed a stakeholder event on the proposed European Port Services Regulation in Antwerp on 11 October.  A summary of his speech is available here.

UKMPG greatly welcome the launch of the strategic partnership with Government on ports, launched on 9 September as part of London International Shipping Week.  Richard Bird, UKMPG’s Executive Director, said: “We are especially pleased that this will involve Ministers from a range of Departments since the importance of ports is not always fully recognised in […]

The independent consultants Oxford Economics have produced a report on investment and productivity growth at UKMPG ports (available for download here). The report brings out the scale of the private investment which has been taking place, with investment – which has averaged around £300 million over the last 5 years – up by nearly 40% […]