Following the UK Prime Minister’s statement confirming that the Parliamentary vote on the Withdrawal Agreement has been delayed, the British Ports Association’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne noted that many of the UK’s ports with EU trade and the wider logistics industry is becoming anxious to know ‘what they might need to prepare for and when it may be needed’.
Theresa May, UK Prime Minister, postponed the parliamentary vote on her deal for the country to leave the European Union. To this matter, the BPA Chief Executive stated that the terminals and systems will not be able to adjust to the Brexit changes in a short time. Whereas, ro-ro ports will face less challenges.
According to Richard Ballantyne
If there is a hard Brexit the roll-on roll ports who facilitate tens of thousands of lorry and trailers movements between Britain and Europe every day could face real challenges
BPA has already expressed its uncertainties on the effects Brexit will have on UK ports. BPA believes that the potential for new time consuming and costly processes for freight operators using this sector is a daunting prospect.
Moreover, the European Commission has already published the political declaration which describes the future relationship between the EU and the UK. The declaration describes the rules that will surround maritime transport and trade, among others.
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Finally, Brexit will not only affect ports. Wider supply chains could also deal with major changes. As BPA stated that across industry substantial reorganisation and culture change would be needed to prepare for a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
