Tag: Brexit

Regarding recent developments on the UK’s future border arrangements, British Ports Association issued a response saying that it supports the UK Government’s plan for unobstructed trade with the EU after Brexit.

The Port of Antwerp has decided to appoint a full-time representative in the UK, in order to keep in closer touch with the UK economic situation, as the Brexit is soon to happen. As the Port informed commercial relations between the port and the UK are very significant.

Responding to the publication of the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report on ‘Brexit: Trade in Food’, the British Ports Association warned that the lack of agreements on cross-border environmental health standards, can cause a major disruption at UK and EU ports.

Shipping and logistics company DFDS has recorded a record result for 2017. The company reported an operating profit of DKK 2.7 billion, mainly due to the increase in volumes of the company’s ten freight routes across the North Sea. To meet with the increased volume growth that is expected to occur, DFDS ordered four mega ships.

The Free Ports concept has been much debated recently. This will not solve some of the immediate cross border challenges arising from Brexit but there are some ports such as Milford Haven, Teesport and others, where there could be interest. British Ports Association also outlined its vision for UK ports to be granted a special status, enabling development.

UK leaves the European Union; the first member to do so in the EU’s 59-year history. This may be the top trade story of 2017. Nine months later, under the Article 50, UK traverses a two-year negotiation period after which the treaties cease to apply. Will Brexit be just an inconvenience or a major drawback to maritime trade?

British Ports Association released an announcement outlining its key priorities for 2018. Amongst these, the focus turns on influencing the Brexit discussions, as well as the promotion of planning a freight policy reform.

The impacts of UK leaving the European Union could be crucial. The prospect of customs and bureaucratic environmental health checks at the border could possibly create congestion and delays, particularly for HGVs at Roll-on Roll-off ferry ports.

The Union urged UK shipping minister John Hayes to request urgent clarification, regarding the action that is being taken by the UK to ensure that British seafarers will still be able to work on ships registered in other EU member states on the basis of their UK training and qualifications.