The British Ports Association has published a sustainable development resolution, which aims to support the dual aims of a strong and healthy environment and a thriving economy.
UK Ports handle 95% of the UK’s international trade, keeping goods moving in an efficient manner. Ports are also often hubs of regional economic activity and support a wide range of industries including energy, fishing, automative, aggregates, agriculture and of course the entire maritime sector.
BPA Chairman Alec Don stated:
Careful management of our seas and waters is key to a sustainable future and ports will continue to play a part in delivering it. As guardians of our maritime gateways, ports and harbours will continue to provide safe, secure and sustainable operations, independent of Government and at no cost to the Exchequer.
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This Charter commits to sustainable development and is working constructively with industry, Government and environmental groups. Namely, the Charter commits the BPA to:
- Encouraging operators to continue acting as responsible custodians of the marine environment by building and maintaining infrastructure within the principles of sustainable development;
- Through industry groups, working with conservation bodies to promote sustainable development;
- Supporting operators as they continue helping to reduce marine pollution and litter and promoting cleaner oceans by providing suitable waste reception facilities for vessels;
- Where appropriate supporting the principles of ‘modal shift’ within the UK and encouraging more coastal shipping, helping to reduce road congestion and overall freight carbon dioxide emissions;
- Supporting port operators in the development of new air quality plans to reduce emissions within their Harbour Areas and sharing good practice amongst industry;
- Promote and support the EcoPorts initiative in the UK;
- Support operators in designated marine conservation and protection area by promoting sustainable development and working with ports on good practice;
- Facilitating environmental good practice in areas from ballast water management to oil spill prevention by bringing together port managers and environment officers to share experiences, innovative ideas and good practice on a regular basis;
- Working with the UK, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish Governments, as well as conservation bodies and regulators – pointing out issues where they arise and helping to disseminate advice and policy changes to industry;
- Supporting regulators to positively drive innovative ideas on improved licensing and consenting arrangements;
- Supporting the UK Government when promoting sustainability and coordinated action at a global level through the IMO and other forums;
- Supporting sustainable fisheries that are economically and biologically viable for the next generation of our coastal communities;
- Continuing to support the Seafish Industry Authority in the development of the Responsible Fishing Ports Scheme that is suitable for all ports and ensures unbroken transparency and accountability in the seafood supply chain;
- Prioritising navigational safety across the industry and thereby continuing to support the industry’s excellent record in preventing and preparing for marine incidences and accidents that might lead to environmental impacts;
- Working with industry partners Port Skills & Safety in improving terrestrial safety as well;
- Periodically reviewing industry’s environmental record and improving this resolution.
See more in the PDF herebelow