Responding to the recent attention on container port issues the British Ports Association, the national body for ports, harbours and marine terminals issued a statement.
According to BPA, while some are extremely busy, the overwhelming majority of UK ports are currently operating normally.
We have a variety of port gateways around the UK and they are continuing to keep the country supplied
Currently, container ports around the world are dealing with backlogs in containers, originally stemming from the post COVID-19 lockdowns when we saw surges in activities and pressures on cargo storage.
A particular issue UK ports are also experiencing surrounds the much publicised lack of haulage. This means that some freight is not being collected as rapidly as it would normally. The situation is impacting all types of ports, not just container terminals.
This has also caused further delays for several ports, and terminal operations are working with their customers to get these goods out of their ports to avoid further congestion. A contributing factor is that this is a peak period in the freight calendar as the pre-Christmas order books create an additional surge in the demand for the ever import hungry British economy.
The maritime sector is vital to the UK economy and the ports and shipping industry are working closely to keep Britain open for business. Containerised trade carries manufactured products, consumer goods and other smaller supplies around the globe
stated Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive, British Ports Association.
