The UK government has proposed reforms to enhance the port sector’s growth potential. Maritime Minister Mike Kane introduced a draft of an updated National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) to Parliament on June 4 and initiated a public consultation, which will conclude on July 29. This review aims to streamline planning processes and expedite approvals, addressing new infrastructure priorities since the original NPSP was adopted in 2012.
The proposed changes include clearer guidelines for ports on meeting noise and emissions obligations, which could facilitate quicker planning approvals. The Department for Transport emphasized that reducing delays and costs will encourage port expansion, aligning with broader reforms under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Recent investments include $47 million for a new deep-water terminal at the Port of Liverpool and $1 billion for advanced infrastructure at the Port of Tyne.
Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, welcomed the reforms, highlighting their potential to accelerate planning processes and support economic growth. The association previously warned that lengthy approval times jeopardize significant investments, with some ports facing delays of nearly four years. Additionally, the government released forecasts indicating a projected growth in UK port traffic, driven primarily by ro-ro cargo, containers, and dry bulk freight, despite a significant decline in liquid bulk traffic due to the transition to net zero.
