Tag: Brexit

The UK government issued a White Paper over the summer charting the government's course for sustainably managing fisheries after Brexit and launched the Fisheries Bill on 25 October. Responding to the Bill, Mark Simmonds from the British Ports Association noted that Brexit is an unprecedented opportunity to take a fresh look at how UK communities benefit from this valuable resource. 

Responding to reports that the UK Government may charter ships in case of a No-Deal Brexit, UK Chamber of Shipping CEO Bob Sanguinetti said that it is not clear how chartered ships will help. Mr. Sanguinetti said that goods will still need to go through the same customs procedures in ports, where the problem is.

The members of the European Network of Maritime Clusters have unanimously agreed, during the annual meeting held in Malta, that the Brexit deal must minimise disruption at ports and to the complex European supply chains. In order to achieve this, negotiations need 'calm heads and a sharp focus'.

The British Ports Association produced a series of infographics highlighting the importance of ports to the UK’s economy.The figures show that collectively the industry employs 101,000 people, handles almost 500m tonnes of freight and contributes £7.6bn to the economy.

Ahead of Brexit and the uncertainties that come with it, especially regarding the content of a possible withdrawal agreement, Ireland reminded operators of maritime transport services are reminded of the legal repercussions, which need to be considered when the UK leaves the EU.

The Port of Dover has been at the centre of contingency planning to minimise disruption in the event of a No-Deal Brexit. For this reason it has been working with the UK government to deliver a plan for lorry traffic to be pre-notified to customs so that vehicles do not need to be held at the port. 

British Port of Hull announced a new container service to connect the port with Antwerp, Belgium’s largest port. Global logistics company, Samskip, has opened up the twice-weekly route which will officially arrive at the Port of Hull for the first time on 14 October, with a vessel holding over 500 TEU containers.

As the Brexit negotiations are underway, the UK government published four scenarios in case there is a no-deal Brexit. These scenarios regard seafarers, trade with the EU, maritime security and luorinated gases and ozone depleting substances. 

The German Insurance Association made an attempt to answer what should insurers and competent authorities focus on the next months ahead Brexit. Although UK has underlined that they want to keep a comprehensive partnership with the EU, GDV warns that a “Cliff Edge” for insurers remains a viable option.

French and British fisherman have achieved compromise over a dispute on scallop fishing in the English Channel, according to an official form the French Agriculture Ministry. The dispute concerned the size of boats that are allowed to fish in Baie de Seine waters, where scallops can be found in large quantities.