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 […]

Privately-financed ports are engines of growth and fear they will be undermined by a new EU Ports Regulation, which threatens investment, growth and jobs. Dock workers ‘very much opposed to the regulation’ The UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG) and the British Ports Association (BPA) are urging MEPs to reject the European Commission’s proposal for a […]

UKMPG organised a Seminar in the European Parliament on 13 October 2015, titled “Encouraging Growth and Investment in European Ports”.  The event was hosted by Lucy Anderson MEP and brought together key industry and institution stakeholders to discuss the future of European ports policy.  The seminar also explored the ‘red lines’ of various stakeholders in […]

London International Shipping Week 2015 runs from 7 to 11 September.  Maritime industry functions will take place all week in venues across London, including a ports reception on Wednesday 9 September.  For more details see http://www.londoninternationalshippingweek.com/

The Apprenticeship Levy was announced by the Chancellor in his July Budget.  The formal consultation exercise on the proposal was launched on 21 August 2015 by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, and the Skills Minister, Nick Boles.  The consultation seeks views on the government’s proposal to introduce an apprenticeship levy to enable employers to choose […]

The latest Oxford Economics report on the economic contribution that ports make to the wider UK was published on 13 May. UKMPG’s Executive Director, Theresa Crossley, welcomed the report, saying “We’re pleased that despite the economic downturn, the picture for ports has remained generally positive.” The report can be downloaded here.  

The United Kingdom Department for Transport (DfT) is leading a review of the ships required to enable the General Lighthouse Authorities’ (GLAs) to fulfil their statutory duty to maintain marine aids to navigation. The aim is to identify the optimum number of ships, the capability of those ships, and the appropriate ownership and operational management […]