News: Industry welcomes government Port Connectivity Study, calls for investment

Better connections to English ports could help businesses thrive and boost the nation’s economy, a new study published today shows (Tuesday, 24 April 2018).

The study of England’s port connectivity, launched at the British Port Association annual member’s lunch, will help influence funding, policy and planning decisions by highlighting the importance of England’s harbours and their global trade links. It also shows how ports can flourish by improving connections to inland businesses.

Improved road and rail links can provide more effective freight journeys between key economic areas and ports, boosting productivity, lowering costs and giving access to international markets.

Alec Don, chairman of British Ports Association, said:

"I am delighted that the government has recognised the importance of port connectivity.

"UK ports have over £1.7 billion of new private infrastructure investment in the pipeline and the industry relies on there being good connections onward from the port gate. 95% of UK trade moves by sea and so ensuring that our trading gateways are connected is critical to the ongoing health of our economy.

"We hope the government will build on this good work, and future infrastructure and investment planning prioritises the free and efficient movement of freight.

James Cooper, chairman of the UK Major Ports Group, said:

"The port connectivity study is very welcome. UK Major Ports Group members invest more than half a billion pounds a year in UK ports and infrastructure but for the UK to maximise the value of this investment for the nation these ports need to be well connected to the rest of the economy.

"As the UK nears Brexit, it’s vital that there is a focus on ensuring that we have the right infrastructure to enable trade. The study’s recognition of the need to take a joined up, multi modal approach to key trade enabling freight corridors anchored on major ports is particularly welcome."

Earlier this year, Chairman of Maritime UK David Dingle called for investment into road and rail links before the UK leaves the EU:

"Investment in infrastructure is an intelligent economic move and one that needs to be made to safeguard Britain’s future as an outward-looking trading hub in the wake of Brexit. 

"By facilitating trade we will attract inward investment at our ports and breathe new life into our deprived coastal economies. In doing this, global Britain will be a success."