The British Ports Association (BPA) recently discussed the issue of post-Brexit trade between the UK and EU. Specifically, the Ports Association’s Chief Executive Richard Ballantyne made the case a frictionless trade agreement between the country and EU following Brexit.
The number one Brexit related concern from the ports sector was reported to be the facilitation, with potential major challenges on Ro-Ro and ferry routes. Currently freight on Ro-Ro routes, which exclusively serves EU routes, has no systematic frontier controls and requirements for customs declarations. Ports are by their nature bottlenecks so any delays to freight flows at the border can lead to major disruptions and operational challenges.
“The ports industry is definitely focusing on the opportunities of Brexit and to make it work for the country.” said Ballantyne
“UK Government now has it in its power to design a trade strategy which will not impose new border controls and avoid delays for the logistics sector.”
Source: BPA
